Keeping Her Face And Jaw Relaxed And Low Vocalizations Helped Camille Achieve Home Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I had fairly regular contractions all day but they didn't seem to be getting any closer together. I went about my day and sent my husband out to help a friend so he wasn't sitting around asking if I was ok every 6 minutes! In late afternoon they started getting more and more intense but no closer together. I knew it was the real deal when I snapped at my husband to stop talking to me when a contraction hit!

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

I didn't find it challenging as this was my first birth. I feel like the next one might be more challenging as I will now know how painful and difficult childbirth can be!

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

I stayed as active as possible and ate well to help my body cope with labor. I also worked to dispel any fears or doubts about home birth and natural labor. My body was made for this and I trusted that I would know what to do when the time came.

What surprised you about your birth?

I was totally surprised at how quickly my primal self took over. From vocalizing when I thought I would be silent, to being completely unclothed where I though I'd be modest.

You were made for this! Trust that your body can do it and don't be afraid.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

Honestly, I can't say whether one worked better than another but I focused on keeping my face and jaw relaxed and to keep my vocalizations low. I also told myself to relax at the end of each contraction - consciously releasing tension to rest up for the next one.

What position did you end up delivering in?

My pelvis had difficulty opening up for baby's head so we had to get creative. I ended up delivering her head by straddling my husband face to face while he sat in a chair right in the front entrance of our house. It was very intimate and primal - him supporting me fully with my arms around his neck and our foreheads pressed together. After the head was delivered, they helped me move down to the floor to deliver the rest of baby and placenta on my back.

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

It was overwhelming and joyful. We tried for 6 years and one failed IVF cycle for this baby. All I could do was cry happy tears that I finally had a beautiful baby girl in my arms.

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

You were made for this! Trust that your body can do it and don't be afraid.