Natural Childbirth Education Classes Helped Erica Achieve Her Natural Hospital Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I woke up and could tell something was happening to my body at regular intervals. I called my Mom, my Doula and my Childbirth Educator and it sounded to all of them like early labor. I spent the day at home relaxing, walking around the neighborhood, cooking and eating and watching movies. Around 8 PM, they became stronger and closer together and my Doula came over. I tried to sleep but couldn't, partially out of excitement and partially because my contractions were more intense. I did a series of yoga poses to help relax myself and my body which was an amazing help! My doula helped to relax and empower me to go to the hospital when I was ready, which was about 24 hours after I started feeling contractions that morning.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

Labor is painful and long. I was very prepared both mentally and physically, but when you're actually in the moment and you don't exactly know how long things will take, it can be frustrating.

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

Education prepared mentally and physically. I sought out information from my Doula, natural Childbirth Education classes, books and chatting with other moms. I armed myself with best evidence information and birth stories so I could make informed decisions about my body. You can't plan exactly how your birth will go, but going in I was confident in what I wanted and why I wanted it so that I could clearly articulate to doctors along the way. Because I understood what was happening to my body and the effects certain interventions and routine procedures could have, I was able to confidently articulate this to doctors and avoid pelvic exams, a routine IV, an epidural, artificial membrane rupture, delivering on my back, and pitocin after delivery.

What surprised you about your birth?

I was able to have a drug free natural birth, but I was surprised that I had to advocate so much for myself. In most cases, no one gave me a hard time when I refused a certain intervention, but I was surprised that many of these unnecessary procedures are routine.

Educate yourself. There are many choices involved in a natural birth and that means something different to everybody. Whatever you decide, know what's happening to your body and understand why and how so that you are able to make the best decisions for yourself and your baby.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

Yoga and yogic breathing. In early labor at home, going through a modified Vinyassa sequence while listening to yogic chanting helped prepare my body physically and helped me to relax. I continued this at the hospital, using a birth ball and the same soundtrack.

What position did you end up delivering in?

I labored on a birth ball, I pushed on all fours and I delivered on my side.

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

Wonderfully strange. Even though I carried him for 9 months, I was being introduced to someone new.

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

Educate yourself. There are many choices involved in a natural birth and that means something different to everybody. Whatever you decide, know what's happening to your body and understand why and how so that you are able to make the best decisions for yourself and your baby. Rely on best evidence information and you won't doubt yourself, even if a Doctor or a nurse does.