Picking The Right Birth Team Helped Elena During Her Birth Center Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

My contractions started around 6am. For most of the day they were manageable. At 5pm I texted my husband and told him he should head home and let his boss know he wouldn't be going in the next day. My husband helped me labor at home for a few hours. When things got more serious, we head to the birthing center and got there at 9:45pm. The midwife checked my progress, which was 6-7 cm, and right then my water broke! Baby was born at 11:06pm!

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

For me the most challenging part was the transition stage and not knowing how long it would last. It was so much more intense than I expected. Once I started pushing and could feel my baby's head, I knew the end was near and I was able to really focus and birth my baby.

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

Picking the right birth team. My midwife, nurse, doula, and husband were incredible and I truly could not have done it without them. Surrounding myself with people who believed in me made all the difference in those moments when I doubted myself.

What surprised you about your birth?

I was surprised at how quickly my labor progressed, especially since it was my first. Also we were "team green," so I was surprised to find out we had a sweet baby boy!!!

Pick a birth team who believes in you and in natural birth, and birth place where you feel supported and safe. Trust your body and your baby. And know that natural childbirth will push you past what you think is possible, but afterwards you will know just how deep your strength goes. Also if you can, hire a birth photographer!!! Getting to see my birth through pictures was so incredibly special. Images like this one I will treasure forever.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

I was surprised at how much I needed to vocalize through my contractions! I didn't think I would do that but it really helped. I was also really needed counter pressure for every contraction. My husband sure got a workout! Having hot water from a hand held shower constantly on my lower back also helped with the pain.

What position did you end up delivering in?

I went from the birth ball, to the birthing tub, to the stand-up shower, to the birth stool, and finally on all fours, on the bed, I delivered our son.

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

The midwife held up our baby for my husband to see and he announced to me that we had a boy. She passed him to me and helped me lay back with him on my chest. Everything seemed to fall perfectly into place, like he was always meant to be mine. Like nothing before that moment ever existed.

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

Pick a birth team who believes in you and in natural birth, and birth place where you feel supported and safe. Trust your body and your baby. And know that natural childbirth will push you past what you think is possible, but afterwards you will know just how deep your strength goes. Also if you can, hire a birth photographer!!! Getting to see my birth through pictures was so incredibly special. Images like this one I will treasure forever.