Perennial Massage Helped Dhiya During Her Hospital Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

Contractions started getting quite intense around midnight.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

No pain relief for sure is absolutely challenging. But with going natural you get to be fully 'present' in the experience of birthing your baby and nothing can be more fulfilling than the feeling of victory and relief once your baby has been born.

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

Mentally prepare yourself to go through the hours of labour. To practice conjuring calmness and breathing through the contractions. I also found perennial massage to be a great benefit.

What surprised you about your birth?

My contractions were getting weaker. I planned for a home birth and was labouring in a birthing pool for 7 hours before I had to be taken to hospital to have a ventouse delivery. I was then bleeding too much i needed to be taken to theatre for 2 hours before I could feed my baby for the first time. And I was not prepared for how painful breastfeeding would be for a few weeks. Not to mention the raging, changing, confusing emotions that take over you well into the first few months of motherhood!

Follow your instincts, as a mother they are even more strong than you give them credit for. Listen closely to your body...she will tell you what's best for you. Your body was created for this.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

Hypnobirthing, a birthing pool with warm water, massaging my lower back during contractions.

What position did you end up delivering in?

I had tried so many to get my baby to turn but ended up birthing lying on my back.

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

Relief!! He was soft, slimy, warm, crying and incredibly tiny to me.

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

Follow your instincts, as a mother they are even more strong than you give them credit for. Listen closely to your body...she will tell you what's best for you. Your body was created for this.