Hypnobabies Were The Best Pain Relief That Helped Karsen Achieve Her Natural Home Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

It was a Thursday I just hit 39 weeks pregnant with my son, had my midwife appointment was only 1cm dilated at most. I remember going over to my parents' house and talking to my mom saying I felt funky, my body was releasing everything..haha..
That is when I thought something might be up but wasn't 100% sure since this was my first child. At 2 am the Friday Morning I had consistent contractions and knew this probably was it.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

The most challenging thing about going natural is probably the unknown for sure with my first I have never gone through something like that before. The pain frighten me slightly, but not as much as being transferred to the hospital.

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

I did a lot of hypnobabies, which was a HUGE help for both myself and my husband. Also having a really good knowledgeable midwife was major. I also did a lot of physical prep, red raspberry leaf tea, my midwife 5-week formula, perennial stretches, evening primrose oil, to name a few.

What surprised you about your birth?

Pushing an 8lb 8oz baby boy without any tearing, and probably back contraction the whole time was the most surprising.

Prepare Prepare Prepare, physically but I would stress more on the mental aspect of it.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

For sure hypnobabies were the best pain relief, along with backpressure, warm bath, shower was amazing. Breathing was the biggest thing, and crying helped for some reason.

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

Wow, wow was probably the word to describe holding my son. I was like wow I did this, this is my little baby. Fantastic amazing.

What did you name your baby, and why?

We ended up naming Him Hunter just a name we really liked along with a family middle name. We like really classic southern names

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

Prepare Prepare Prepare, physically but I would stress more on the mental aspect of it. Have an advocate for you to tell you NO when you ask for the pain meds/pain relief. It really helped me get the birth I really desired at the end of it all.