Mama Natural Birth Course Helped Shannon During Her First Birth Center Water Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

Around 10 pm, when I started bleeding and felt cramps/contractions.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

There wasn’t much challenge. My mom has natural, at-home births and I was able to witness her birthing my brother. The hardest part was other people’s comments and lack of education.

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

I kept my expectations open. I knew what I wanted, but I tried not to get hung up on doing things one exact way. This was my first birth, so I wasn’t sure what to expect and flexibility helped keep me calm.

What surprised you about your birth?

Being unable to focus on anything outside of myself and my baby. I thought I’d be able to talk to people between contractions, but I was in the zone and was totally focused on getting from one point to the next.

It gave me confidence that I’d been making good choices and it really helped my husband get more comfortable with the natural birth idea. We both felt validated in the path we’d chosen.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

Sitting in a warm bath helped so much! Also, focusing on the fact that each contraction brought me closer to holding my baby.

What position did you end up delivering in?

I ended up in the birth tub sitting/laying in the water.

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

There was so much relief. After 9 months of waiting and 17 hours of labor, I was so happy to just have him in my arms.

How did the Mama Natural Birth Class help you in your childbirth?

The Mama Natural Birth Course was very reassuring. It gave me confidence that I’d been making good choices and it really helped my husband get more comfortable with the natural birth idea. We both felt validated in the path we’d chosen.