Mentally Preparing Herself For Labor Helped Alexandra During Her First Home Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I woke at 2 am with period-like pains coming and going. The only place I felt relief was sitting on the toilet. Stayed up until 7 am timing the pains. My midwife came to my home at 10 am to check me and confirmed I was in early labour.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

The most challenging thing for me was completely grounding myself and making sure I was only focusing on one contraction and a time. My main thoughts were each contraction was bringing me one step closer to meeting my baby.

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

For me, the most important thing I did was mentally prepare myself for labour. I meditated every day.

What surprised you about your birth?

I couldn’t say anything that surprised me with my birth as I feel I was completely well mentally prepared for anything to happen. I took everything as it came and embraced it all.

Believe in yourself. Do the work mentally and you will be more prepared than anyone. In my opinion, mental preparation is much more important than anything you could eat or drink to help your labour.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

One really good strategy would have been sitting in the shower on the birthing ball with the water running on my back. Being on the birthing ball, in general, was a great help, also sitting on the toilet was brilliant relief. The best pain relief for me would have been the birthing pool. I laboured in it until it was time to push and that was amazing.

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

It felt so surreal to hold my baby for the first time. I couldn’t believe I had just given birth and she was finally here. It was a real big shock after she came out, the love is indescribable.

What did you name your baby, and why?

I named my baby girl Maisie because we loved the more old-fashioned names. It’s an unusual name around where we live so that was also a nice factor.

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

Believe in yourself. Do the work mentally and you will be more prepared than anyone. In my opinion, mental preparation is much more important than anything you could eat or drink to help your labour.