Exercising Multiple Times a Week And Going To A Chiropractor Weekly Helped Janelle During Her Birth Center Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

The day I had my son I was having contractions off and on all day starting in the late morning. I was timing them here and there (while being distracted by my toddler) and they were about 10-15 minutes apart and only 30 seconds long ( and not intense a bit).
That evening after my husband and I put our toddlers to bed I started focusing on them and they progressed pretty quickly in length, frequency and intensity. Around 10:40pm my husband called the midwife and we went in!

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

My first birth I had in a hospital. I did it naturally but it was comforting to know if I needed it, I could get an epidural (although it terrifies me so it would have to be a lot of pain for me to resort to that, but it was still comforting to know the option was there) but this time I had the nerves doing it at a birth center knowing there was no plan b!

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

I exercised multiple times a week and went to a chiropractor weekly. I think both helped me with an extremely quick delivery.

What surprised you about your birth?

I was surprised how quickly my son was born. I only experienced intense contractions for 2 hours or so and only REALLY intense contractions for about 15 minutes. My water broke and 11 minutes later he was here!

Remember that the pain is temporary! You really can do it. The most incredible feeling is pushing your baby out. Yes the pressure is unreal and it hurts like crazy, but once that baby is out it's the most amazing thing ever.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

When contractions came the best thing for me was to be bent over (either standing or on my knees) to get the weight of the baby off my spine and focus by deep breathing. My husband massaged me between contractions but when they started I (kindly?) asked him to please not touch me.

What position did you end up delivering in?

On my knees and forearms with my forehead down on a pillow.

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

I was in shock! Just because it was so fast. I love him so much. I was comparing him to my first, trying to decide who he looked like, and let him latch on when he was ready to start breastfeeding.

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

Remember that the pain is temporary! You really can do it. The most incredible feeling is pushing your baby out. Yes the pressure is unreal and it hurts like crazy, but once that baby is out it's the most amazing thing ever. The lasting pain you will experience (if you have any tearing, cramping, just soreness in general) every woman feels after birth, natural or not! So the pain of the birth truly stays with the birth. I already forget what it was like and can't wait to have my 3rd. ;)