Having Her Husband As Her Support System Helped Caitlin Achieve Her Natural Birth Center Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I was at my Mom’s birthday dinner when I started having contractions every 30 minuets. By the time we were handed the dessert menu they were coming every 15 minuets!

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

When we it’s arrived at the birth center they checked me and I was 6 centimeters dilated and I knew that transitional labor was approaching. The next three hours I had strong contractions and vomiting, I could not find any relief from the pain of the contractions, so I just kept praying that our baby would be with us soon.

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

Having my husband as my support system was a huge blessing. Out of all the class I took and book that I read to try and prepare myself, nothing could come close to the comfort I found in him.

What surprised you about your birth?

I thought I was better mentally prepared for the pain of labor, it took me by surprise just how strong the contractions were.

Stick to your guns and do your research. Don’t let the doctors or your friends and family discourage you from your desire for a natural birth. Be informed so that you are confident in the decisions you make for yourself and you little one.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

Leaning against my husband and letting him support my weight so I could give in to the contractions gave me the most relief l.

What position did you end up delivering in?

I ended up on my back with my husband supporting my legs.

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

Amazing. I don’t think there are adequate words to describe the feeling of finally being able to hold the life you had felt inside of you for the last nine months.

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

Stick to your guns and do your research. Don’t let the doctors or your friends and family discourage you from your desire for a natural birth. Be informed so that you are confident in the decisions you make for yourself and you little one.