Mama Natural Helped Kristin Prepare for Child Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I realized that I was going into labor when I felt the contractions getting closer together and starting to get more painful. My water never broke before going to the hospital but my mucus plug came out.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

A lot of people doubted that I could actually go natural. People said "you won't last 20 minutes". Which made me second guess myself. So getting all of the negativity out of my head was challenging.

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

Mama natural truly helped me prepare for child birth. With this being our first child we had no idea what to expect or what to do. After watching a few online classes I wanted to deliver my baby with midwives. I was supposed to deliver at a big hospital. But I didn't want to deliver my precious baby at a "baby factory". So at 35 weeks pregnant I found midwives that I fell inlove and had such a peace in my heart.

What surprised you about your birth?

I believe God was truly with me every step of the way and I had to go to another place with Him in my mind. I was surprised at just how strong I was through my birth. I was in labor for 22 hours and I pushed for 3 hours. I always thought the pushing would go a lot faster. Pushing was very intense but made me more motivated because I knew that my baby would soon be in my arms.

Know that even though it's hard, and there will be times you want to give up. Don't! You are stronger then you think and it's worth every bit of the struggle. Know that the pain you feel won't last forever and then you will be holding your sweet baby! What helped me was praying and talking with God each and every step of the way.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

Slow deep breathes in and out really helped take my mind off of the pain. As the contractions got more intense I got into the jacuzzi and that helped immensely. Getting into the jacuzzi even helped get things going faster.

What position did you end up delivering in?

I ended up delivering on my back. At this point I was so physically and mentally drained. I would give my all when I had a contraction and then I would just rest in between. I was in so many different positions during labor but it felt most comfortable being on my back.

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

I helped pull my baby out and it was the most magical thing that I was ever experience. I had her in my hands and she looked at me and we locked eyes. all the pain leading up to that moment was completely forgotten. It's moments like that, that confirms my decisions to go natural was the right one.

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

Know that even though it's hard, and there will be times you want to give up. Don't! You are stronger then you think and it's worth every bit of the struggle. Know that the pain you feel won't last forever and then you will be holding your sweet baby! What helped me was praying and talking with God each and every step of the way.