Hiring a Doula Helped Kristine During Her Hospital Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

When my water broke! I didn't have any real labor pain until after that. I had a few contractions over the course of a few days, but they were so infrequent and mild that I assumed they were Braxton Hicks.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

The most challenging part of going natural, for me, was not knowing how long labor would last, how much worse the contractions would become.

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

The most helpful thing for me to prepare was to hire a Doula. She was the absolute best thing that we could have had for childbirth. She helped iron out my birth plan, and she gave me tips for pain management and worked on positive affirmations with me.

What surprised you about your birth?

How quickly it went and how strong I am. I really didn't know what to expect. After each round of contractions I had, there was a little time of rest. When I was pushing it always felt like I was gushing water out - like my water broke again and again. I finally had a really strong round of contractions and pushed with all of my might, then that round passed. The nurses told me to open my eyes, I started staring at the ceiling. My Doula told me to look around and suddenly I saw tiny arms flailing between my legs! I didn't even know that the last push got him out!! I thought it was just a giant warm gush of fluid!

You're stronger than you know!! If you want to go natural you can, just believe in yourself!

What pain relief strategies worked best?

Being able to move around and get into positions that felt comfortable and natural to me was helpful. Also pressure applied to my lower back and hips was great

What position did you end up delivering in?

I ended up delivering in a typical position, on my back (with the back of the bed raised into more of a sitting position), with my legs up in stirrups. Although, in the end, I didn't mind delivering that position, I did feel that the hospital staff pushed me to deliver that way.

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

Incredible. Absolutely unreal. There are no words that can describe it well enough.

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

You're stronger than you know!! If you want to go natural you can, just believe in yourself!