Hypnobirthing, Reading Books, Birthing Classes and Listening To Birth Affirmations Helped Jessica Achieve Her Natural Hospital Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

The evening before our daughter was born, as I was running errands, I would feel intermittently uncomfortable but didn't think much of it.
The next morning, around 4 am I started feeling mild cramps that would wake me from sleep. My first pregnancy was induced with pitocin, so I was unsure if I was having contractions. I tried to time the contractions but would fall asleep or find that they were not coming at consistent intervals.
I didn't think I was really in labor until 8 am when we called my mother to come over to watch our toddler.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

The most challenging thing about going natural was uncertainty about how much longer the labor would take. I labored at home - unknowingly - for quite awhile. When we arrived at the hospital things progressed really quickly. I was convinced I was only 4-5 cm dilated when the pain became intense. For two contractions, I asked for an epidural (but hadn't yet had a cervical check ). Once they were able to check me, I realized I was nearing the end; I was already dilated 9 cm! For those 2 contractions, when I had no idea how much longer I was going to be in labor, I really doubted my ability to deliver my daughter without pain medication.

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

I credit Hypnobirthing for getting me all the way to 9cm without much discomfort at all! I read the book, took classes, practiced the self-hypnosis and listened to positive birth affirmations (from Marie Mognan and Natural Mama). The fact that my husband attended these classes with me and had a VERY clear understanding of the labor and birth process as well as what I wanted and did not want was critical; I could not have done it without his support.

What surprised you about your birth?

I was most surprised at by the adrenaline surge and how I didn't really have the chance to focus on the pain when I was pushing - just the excitement of meeting my daughter. I suffered bilateral sulcus tearing and didn't even feel it - I had to ask the OBGyn if I even tore.

It was exhilarating to hold my daughter for the first time! I felt a sense of relief, accomplishment, and euphoria when she was placed on my chest.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

Hypnobirthing helped me prepare myself for labor; I was able to relax and breathe through most of my contractions. My husband was able to help me focus on breath and alternate my focus to his gentle massage touch. A warm shower definitely provided relief (I did not have access to a tub).

What position did you end up delivering in?

I ended up on my back because of the urgency of the staff at the hospital (it made me lose my focus). Looking back, I was most comfortable on my side throughout labor and wish I had delivered in that position.

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

It was exhilarating to hold my daughter for the first time! I felt a sense of relief, accomplishment, and euphoria when she was placed on my chest.

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

You definitely have to prepare if you want to go natural! We are bombarded in our daily lives through the health care industry, social media, friends, and family that birth is a painful, often traumatizing process. If you want to overcome these images and messages that are instilled in women from a young age, you have to completely change your way of thinking and it takes WORK!
Listen to the positive affirmations, consider hypnobirthing, read Ina May Gaskin's book, and practice, practice, practice!