Mama Natural Book Helped Ilena During Her Hospital Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

The morning I was scheduled to go in for the induction (40+1) was when I started feeling real contractions. They were far apart and still quite mild.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

Because I had a cornual ectopic pregnancy in 2015 and had a cornual resection, I went through this entire pregnancy being told I had to have a c-section. Around 32 weeks I went through my medical records and looked for the surgeon who performed my emergency surgery back then, and requested to get on her service. She told me she was comfortable letting me try for a vaginal birth, but there were risks involved. So, the hardest part of attempting a vaginal birth for me was being afraid that something was going to go seriously wrong during the birth.

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

I read the mama natural book, but I did not restrict myself to possibilities other than a natural birth. I was open to doing whatever was the safest choice for both myself and baby.

What surprised you about your birth?

Despite being induced, despite having a scar on my uterus from the cornual resection, despite labour stalling for a bit because I requested an epidural, I'm surprised I still got to have a vaginal birth, and I'm thankful that baby was able to arrive earth-side safely.

Like my whole world stopped for a moment and it was just me and him, that his two siblings that we lost in previous pregnancies were cheering him on and giving him their love.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

Epidural! By the time I was told I was able to try for a vaginal birth, I was so far along in my pregnancy I did not feel I was emotionally or mentally prepared for a natural birth.

What position did you end up delivering in?

Lying on my left side.

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

Like my whole world stopped for a moment and it was just me and him, that his two siblings that we lost in previous pregnancies were cheering him on and giving him their love.

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

To remain focused on wellbeing of baby.