Having a Birth Plan Gave Jenn Confidence Going Into Labor And Childbirth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

My water broke at home but it was 3 weeks before my son was due so I just through put that I had peed my pants. About an hour later I had a bloody show so we decided to make our way to the hospital. I did not realize I was really in labor until I was in the car on the way to the hospital when contractions started and they were 2 minutes apart. We did not have our bags packed and the car was almost out of gas.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

The most challenging thing about going natural for me was the pain of contractions.

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

To be honest, I was not really prepared for childbirth because my son came 3 weeks early. My birth plan however gave am a lot of confidence going into labor and childbirth. I also had a dual that helped talk me through some of the parts of childbirth before I went into labor.

What surprised you about your birth?

The timing of my son's birth really surprised me. He came sooner then we were expecting and my labor was only 5 hours long.

My birth plan however gave am a lot of confidence going into labor and childbirth. I also had a dual that helped talk me through some of the parts of childbirth before I went into labor.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

My labor was all in the car so I couldn't really do much but take it contraction by contraction. I just consentrated on one contraction at a time and that is what got me through.

What position did you end up delivering in?

I ended up delivering laying on my side. I did some pushing on a birthing stool and on my knees also.

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

I felt so much love and it was instant relief from the pain. It was also a little terrifying becasue he was my first and I had no idea what I was doing. I did skin to skin right away which felt so incredibly natural.

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

I would say research and read as much as you can about going natural and ways to relieve your pain. Also, I would recommend getting a doula. Doula's are so great at helping you stick to your birth plan and supporting you though labor and birth.