Prayer, Red Raspberry Leaf Tea and Making The Amazing Tennis Ball Massager Helped Erin During Her Hospital Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

About 3pm. I had mild back labor since 1pm but wasn't convinced it was really time. By 5 contractions became painful and quite close together. I was already dilated to 4cm so around 6pm OB said go ahead and head to the hospital. Little bundle was born at 7:45pm intervention free!!

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

Transition! That part just before it's time to push and you think you really can't do it....but you can! Oh and also the CONSTANT offering of induction and epidural from providers.

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

Prayer, red raspberry leaf tea, making the amazing tennis ball massager (seriously priceless during labor), keeping my husband in the loop and informed about all I was learning and preparing, and lastly I just set my mind to it because I knew my body was made for this!

What surprised you about your birth?

How quickly it happened!

Learn all you can from Mama Natural and decide what you want ahead of time. Get your partner on the same page and have them there during labor.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

At first squatting and stretching forward and then when it got intense I don't think I could have done it without the tennis ball massager and just screaming.

What position did you end up delivering in?

Legs in stirrups.

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

Amazing and so rewarding!

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

Learn all you can from Mama Natural and decide what you want ahead of time. Get your partner on the same page and have them there during labor.