Hypnobirthing Class Helped Nicky Not To Fear Labor

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I was talking to my mom on the phone on my official due date and she was asking if I felt anything and I said no. A few minutes later, I felt a sudden contraction that startled me and I knew it had started!

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

The pain. I was at home so it helped to know that I had no option other than to go natural. Once I accepted that, I was able to focus on my breathing and work through the contractions. I went inwards and did not want anyone else around (I remember kindly instructing my husband to go away!). It was very primal.

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

I took a hypnobirthing class which really helped me understand and accept that my body was made for birthing and it helped me not to fear the labour. It helped me to become even more confident in my decision to have a home birth.

What surprised you about your birth?

How fast and furious it was! There was no early labour or pre-labour for me. After my first contraction, I had another 15 minutes later and then in no time at all, there were 3 minutes apart. I felt like I hardly had a break between them! Luckily the whole labour, from start to baby lasted 5.5 hours.

I took a hypnobirthing class which really helped me understand and accept that my body was made for birthing and it helped me not to fear the labour. It helped me to become even more confident in my decision to have a home birth.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

We had a birthing tub set up in our living room and I found the warm water helped to take the edge off the contractions. It was also very soothing to be floating in water, free from the shackles of gravity :)

What position did you end up delivering in?

I was in the birthing tub kind of in a crab walk position.

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

I couldn't believe that I made her and that she was finally on the outside!

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

Have a home birth if possible. I know if I was in the hospital, I would have gave in and accepted an epidural. At home, I was in my own space and had the confidence that I could do it! Definitely prepare with a course of some kind made for parents who want to go natural. It will help give you confidence that you can do it and strategies to help you rock it!