Picking A Good Birth Team Traits Helped Rebecca During Her Hospital Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I walked for two hours at the gym trying to help labor get started when I finally gave up went to relax in the hot tub my contractions started and they were very close together.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

My contractions were very fast and very strong from beginning to end. There was no building, no time to set up a nice environment, labor hit like a train. Start to finish less then 2 hours and only 44 minutes after we got to the hospital.

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

I was picky about who could be on my "labor team" . My mom and midwife were perfectly calm from beginning to end and really helped me focus.

What surprised you about your birth?

It wasn't as painful as everyone said. My whole life people said labor was so painful and just got worse as it went on. Contractions were supper intense and not lying painful but if I had known at the beginning that's the worst it gets I would have been able to handle it better. Personally pushing wasn't painful even though I could feel everything. In fact when I finally started to push all the pain was gone and I really felt like the contractions were truly working with me.

This was my third child and I was amazed at how small and perfect they can be.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

Staying off my back, every medical professional wants you to lay down for xyz but it's the most painful position to me. The best way for me to manage pain is to be in a good position.

What position did you end up delivering in?

A modified hands and knees, we had the head of the bed tilled straight up and was on my knees but holding on to the head of the bed. So I was working with gravity.

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

This was my third child and I was amazed at how small and perfect they can be.

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

Pick a good birth team traits you like in a person normally might drive you crazy in labor. Take time to think about how you handle stressful situations and when your working and what kind of environment you need to make your distress. For me I need quite, chatty people even if they think they are asking nice helpful questions are bothersome. Then think about the people or person your bringing with you and if they can really make things better. I have dear friend's that are great lunch dates or parties but their gift for gab wouldn't be helpful in the delivery room. So for everyone's sake I kindly decline their offer to help in labor if I need it.