Hiring a Doula, Seeing a Chiropractor, Exercising, and Attending a 4-Hour Birth Intensive Nona Class Helped Kaylee During Her Hospital Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

After I took a warm bath and things didn't settle down, I knew it was happening!

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

Drowning out the people who told me I wouldn't be able to have a natural birth.

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

Hiring a doula, seeing a chiropractor, exercising, and attending a 4 hour birth intensive Nona class!

What surprised you about your birth?

I was very surprised at how fast it was! My body just knew what to do because I allowed my mind to be calm and let labor happen. I had told myself I was going to be in labor for 40+ hours to mentally prepare so I was more than pleased with my 12 hour labor!

Natural birth is the most empowering experience and passage into motherhood, believe in yourself and it will happen.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

Being in the water was amazing and key for me. I liked the shower better than a tub because I was able to stand and move my hips in a figure 8. The heating pad and pressure on my back were also very helpful.

What position did you end up delivering in?

I delivered my daughter standing up. In the picture, I had just caught her with assistance from my midwife and was about to climb into the bed.

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

It was so surreal. I couldn't believe my daughter was actually here. There truly are no words to describe that moment.

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

Your body was meant to do this. Drown out the naysayers. Hire a doula. Do your squats. See a Webster technique certified chiro. Take a birthing class. Read anything and everything about holistic births and pregnancy. Pray. Relax. Let your body do it's thing. Print off positive birth affirmations and put them around your home and the area you will be birthing in. My favorite affirmation was "don't give up what you want most for what you want most right now". Natural birth is the most empowering experience and passage into motherhood, believe in yourself and it will happen.