Hiring A Doula Helped Katherine During Her First Natural Hospital Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I woke up at 5:30am thinking I peed my pants. I got up and used the bathroom, stood up from the toilet and more "pee" came out! I again sat down, cleaned myself up, stood up, and more "pee" came out! This process repeated three more times before I woke up enough to realize that the "pee" running down my legs wasn't pee. I had my first undeniable contraction at 5:45am (6 minutes apart), and by 8:20am, my contractions were 3 minutes apart.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

The most challenging part of going natural was the "ring of fire". Pushing burned so much! Contractions hurt, but the pushing was the worst part once she starting crowning. It was by far the most painful aspect of my labor.

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

I took a 4 week natural childbirth class with my husband, and that gave us a multitude of tools to prepare for labor. Hiring a doula was also essential to achieve the birth that we wanted. Also mentally preparing for the pain and the whole experience was helpful once the pain started.

What surprised you about your birth?

I was surprised how fast my birth went! I went to the hospital 6 1/2 hours after my water broke and I was already 6cm dilated. I labored in and out of the tub for another 4 hours before my daughter was born in water. I was expecting to be in labor for at least 24 hours, but I was only in early labor for 2 hours!

I remember thinking, "there was a baby in there!", as if my swollen belly for months wasn't proof of a baby. It was so amazing. I was instantly at peace. The burning and pain was gone and it didn't matter anymore.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

My husband pushed on my back for nearly every contraction and that helped greatly with the lower back pain I was experiencing. I also moaned, very low, for every single contraction. It helped distract me and gave me something to focus on. Keeping my voice low helped make sure I was relaxing as much as possible.

What position did you end up delivering in?

I delivered in a birthing tub, sitting up on a ledge in the tub, leaning against my husbands legs (he was sitting on the top edge of the tub).

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

It was surreal to hold my daughter for the first time. I remember thinking, "there was a baby in there!", as if my swollen belly for months wasn't proof of a baby. It was so amazing. I was instantly at peace. The burning and pain was gone and it didn't matter anymore.

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

Hire a doula! My doula was amazing and talked to me through every single contraction. She helped keep me mentally in the zone. Also find a birth setting that is supportive of your natural birth goals. I delivered in a hospital with a midwife and the whole team was amazing. No one ever asked me if I wanted pain medication and helped maintain a peaceful birthing environment.