Hiring Her Doula Again Helped Heather During Her Natural Hospital Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

This was my third natural labor and the second we’ve induced with acupuncture. We chose to try acupuncture this time for two reasons, one was because he was due Christmas time, and I was afraid with family coming to stay with us I would be too stressed to go into labor before they left. The second reason was because acupuncture has led to a beautiful, quick, uncomplicated VBAC with my second child.

After the second session, I knew immediately that I was in early labor, however, it was that night that active labor woke me from an attempt to sleep

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

This time I was mostly worried about making it to the hospital on time. My second labor was precipitous and we ended up delivering in triage! I wanted to avoid that this time (and spare my poor husband the harrowing car ride) but we I fortunately left too soon and my labor stalled once we got to the hospital. I made the decision myself to go home and try to rest and get things going again, which resulted in us arriving for the final time at 9 cm and delivering shortly after. But in a labor room! With my doctor! Yay!

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

Hiring my doula again. Her excellent antenatal support and encouragement helped me to move past a traumatic first birth experience (the memory of which gave me severe panic attacks during the first part of my second pregnancy), and her kind support during those last few minutes of labor and pushing this time were invaluable.

What surprised you about your birth?

This time, I felt as if things were running in half-speed during transition and pushing. I had what felt like loooong stretches of time to think and prepare between contractions, though in reality it was only a few seconds between each. I was hyper aware of everything and was even able to banter with my doctor when he arrived. It was surreal!

Incredible. The relief and joy and awe of that moment is probably what will eventually convince me we need a fourth ?

What pain relief strategies worked best?

The shower up until transition, and then just really letting loose with the vocalization during the car ride.

What position did you end up delivering in?

On my back with my doula and nurses supporting my feet.

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

Incredible. The relief and joy and awe of that moment is probably what will eventually convince me we need a fourth ?

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

Hire a doula and stay home as long as you can as you labor.