Exercising Right Up Until 36 Weeks Helped Melissa To Have Endurance During Her Hospital Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

My water broke at work at 37 weeks! I was not having any contractions at all. My water broke around noon, and after being at the hospital and walking miles around Labor & Delivery, I was only at 5 cm at midnight. So (after MUCH discussion and concern on my part) they started pitocin very low around 1am. It didn't take but about 30 min of the pitocin for active labor to kick into gear.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

My baby was coming out face up, which made for very painful back labor. His head was pushing on my sacrum with every contraction and my cervix wouldn't dilate all the way. I stalled at 7 cm for about 2 hours. After about an hour of the midwife helping us with different positions to help him turn, he FINALLY turned the right way and was born 10 minutes later! My nurse said I was actually pushing that last 6-8 contractions and she thinks that's what helped him turn.

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

I exercised right up until 36 weeks, and he was born at 37 weeks. I think that helped me have the endurance I needed for a difficult labor.

What surprised you about your birth?

I was expecting it to go faster the 2nd time than it did the first time. With my daughter, once active labor started, she was born 3 and a half hours later, so I expected it to be quicker. I think it would have been if his head had been in the correct position to begin with. I was doing the exercises recommended and sitting up straight and stretching, but he still was face up until right before birth.

So much of it is mind over matter. Commit to it, do the classes, the stretches, the preparation, and have a solid support system! Without my husband beside me cheering me on, without my midwife, without my amazing nurse...I don't know that I could have made it. Having the right team is so helpful!

What pain relief strategies worked best?

I tried to not groan or moan too much at first, but it was too much work trying to keep it in. With every contraction, I also mentally pictured it dilating my cervix more and bringing me that much closer to holding my baby.

What position did you end up delivering in?

I was on my right side.

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

Amazing! I was SO proud of myself for sticking it out and relieved to finally have him in my arms.

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

So much of it is mind over matter. Commit to it, do the classes, the stretches, the preparation, and have a solid support system! Without my husband beside me cheering me on, without my midwife, without my amazing nurse...I don't know that I could have made it. Having the right team is so helpful!