Exercising Daily Helped Emma Achieve Her Natural Birth Center Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

When I couldn't stand up and continue my daily activities through the contractions. My water was also leaking slightly and I was having bloody show.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

Trying to eat and drink during labor to keep my strength up.

What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?

Exercised daily.

What surprised you about your birth?

My body's natural urge to push. I was never told it was or wasn't time to push and I didn't realize my body was causing me to push for several contractions. Once I realized and started working with my body the pushing was very effective and the baby came down fast.

Eat and drink as much as you can in early labor, it gets harder to do as labor progresses. But it's so important to keep your strength and energy up.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

Envisioning the baby coming down and out. Laboring in the shower and also moaning and being vocal during contractions.

What position did you end up delivering in?

Squatting and on my knees, next to a bed, using the side of the bed to brace myself and I bit down on the mattress to help make my last three or four contractions really effective in birthing the head.

How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?

Miraculous. Such a relief after such hard work.

What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?

Eat and drink as much as you can in early labor, it gets harder to do as labor progresses. But it's so important to keep your strength and energy up.