Making A Clear Expectation Of What Kind Of Birth She Wanted Helped Erin During Her Birth Center VBAC Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

Around 2 hours into having surges, they started around 2:30 am and I was trying to ignore them but when they took all my focus I realized this was for real. At 4 am my husband woke up and immediately started getting the truck ready to go! They contend to grow in intensity and closer together.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

Being patient, and letting my body do what it needed to. Both before she was born and during birth. She was 41wks+3 days, trying for a VBAC, we had doubts my body would even go into labor on its own. But it did! And then during labor, having patience during the process, mentally, I wanted to be done, but kept reminding myself this was good, this is what we wanted and prepared for.

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

Making a clear expectation of what kind of birth I wanted but also letting go and being okay with how it will happen. I did a lot of natural prep like hiring a doula, choosing the perfect birth center for me, eating dates, red raspberry leaf tea, prayed often for strength when the time came, listened to hypnobirthing audios, read positive birth stories, made a vision board, had regular chiropractor adjustments, walked as much as I could. After 40 weeks I did acupressure and acupuncture, evening primrose oil, and walked lots of stairs.

What surprised you about your birth?

How intense but painless it was! I was also surprised at how fast it was, which also meant it was more intense, but I actually ended up being thankfully for the short duration.

You really can do it. Even after having a c-section! It is totally possible.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

Movement! Constantly moving around in the tub was my lifesaver! I also really needed to stare into my husband's eyes, it was a good distraction during each surge.

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

Priceless! Was just as I had hoped and longed for, the overwhelming feeling of pride and relief was incredible. She immediately cuddled onto my chest and started nursing within minutes. She never even cried, just came peacefully like she was ready for this side of life! It was like the many amazing stories I had read and hoped ours would be like.

What did you name your baby, and why?

Rachel Ann. My husband had that first name come to mind during my 1st trimester but kept it to himself until the night before she was born when he told me. I told him I may not like it, but turns out I did. It was sweet that he had 7 months of knowing her name and I had the 9 months of holding her within me, each one was a sacred experience that no one else had. In the Bible, Rachel means, Beautiful One. Her middle name is a generational name, it means a lot to me to be able to pass down my middle name to my daughter.

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

You really can do it. Even after having a c-section! It is totally possible. I had so many doubts and fears I had to keep putting them aside. Your body really does know what to do. I think it’s important to prepare emotionally, physically, and mentally though. Even if it’s things you don’t use during labor, they can be important to you mentally during pregnancy. I kept reminding myself that I’m in marathon training and I didn’t always have to be perfect but to keep working forward toward that finish line goal. It is worth the time and effort!