Leaning Against the Wall Greatly Helped Suzy in Her Hospital Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I was sitting on my therapy ball, 9 days post due date, emailing and messaging my family that I was going to be induced the following day if I didn't go into labor that night. I was severely disappointed by the news of getting induced, but as I was writing out the messages, I was getting contractions every 5 minutes or so, and they kept getting more intense. Finally, I tried going upstairs to my bedroom to lie down, and my husband very kindly asked if he needed to call the midwife.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

Unfortunately, I didn't have a natural birth as I hoped. I had hoped my midwife would have helped go that route, but for whatever reason it didn't happen. I was given cervidil, the cervical ripening tampon, and went into labor because of that. When I got to the hospital, my midwife broke my water, placed me on oxytocin, because of how quickly I was went into labor I was in a lot of pain. I ended up having an epidural (which didn't even work that well) because I was so tired. I was so disappointed.

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

Exercise. I even had a lovely walk with a friend the day I went into labor.

What surprised you about your birth?

I also didn't know that so many woman tremble or shake because of pain, but I did! That was the hardest part about relaxing in between contractions.

Be strong, and speak up when you are pushed to do something you don't want.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

Leaning up against a wall.

What position did you end up delivering in?

On my back.

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

Wonderful. I was surprised he was a brunette; I thought he would be blonde like his dad was as a baby. My first thought was what are we going to name you, baby?! We had talked about names, but my husband started teasing about naming our son "Chewbacca Tyrone". I'm happy to say we didn't end up with a Chewy...

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

I was bummed that even though everything looked well for being late, I had to be induced, but what can you do. I'm more disappointed I didn't have a more natural experience even with a midwife. So I would say be strong, and speak up when you are pushed to do something you don't want. Hire a doula or make sure whoever is supporting you knows what you want.