Going to a Birthing Classes Helped Emily During Her Hospital Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I went to my doctor's visit and they stripped my membranes while there. When I went home for the night I started having contractions that were 3 minutes apart and we went to the hospital from there.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

My breathing in between contractions when it came down to the end. It was hard for me to catch my breath at times.

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

I went to birthing classes offered at the hospital where we were going to have the baby and learned everything I would need to know to be prepared for what came our way.

What surprised you about your birth?

I went in wanting to do everything natural, but nothing happened the way I had planned. They told me I could have an 11 pound baby so I took the epidural before it was too late in case we needed to do an emergency c-section. After awhile I started feeling pain and they told me it was a hotspot. I was feeling all of my contractions up to 9cm dilated and couldn't take the pain any longer so opted for a c-section. They told me when I got in the room that my epidural had come out of my back! This is why I was feeling all of the pain. Needless to say, nothing happened as planned, but we have a healthy 9lb 9oz baby from the experience!

Stick to everything you wanted in your labor process, but don't be disappointed if something needs to be changed at the time. Sometimes having a baby natural isn't an option and you want to be able to deal with that when the time comes.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

Deep breathing techniques and trying to focus on something in the room.

What position did you end up delivering in?

C-section

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

It was an awesome feeling when they placed her on my chest for the first time. It was all so overwhelming, but when I heard her crying and then they laid her down on me to talk to her, she quit fussing and looked right at me. It was precious.

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

I would say to stick to everything you wanted in your labor process, but don't be disappointed if something needs to be changed at the time. Sometimes having a baby natural isn't an option and you want to be able to deal with that when the time comes.