Praying And Staying Active Helped Savannah Achieve Her Second Home Birth

Video Interview With Savannah

When did you realize you were really in labor?

Early Saturday morning I woke up with contractions that felt different than the Braxton Hicks I had been having. I thought today is the day! But, these contractions stayed irregular for almost 24 hours. Sunday morning when they were about 6-8 minutes apart and I called my midwife. She was traveling from two hours away so she came immediately. When she arrived I was already in the birth pool wanting to push.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

The “what if” questions that play in your head. This was my second natural birth, so I was past the doubts from others, but I always struggle with self-doubt and worries about complications. I had Covid and chicken pox during my pregnancy, which fed the fears of complications, but I put it on God’s hands and the birth went beautifully.

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

Pray, walk and hike, and sit on my exercise ball instead of using chairs. I think it is essential to be in a good place spiritually and mentally before birth, to let go of fear and anxiety and surrender it all to God. Physically, staying active and keeping good posture with an exercise ball helps get baby into a good position.

What surprised you about your birth?

I was surprised how much I loved laboring and birthing in the water. My last home birth was not in the water, and that was also a wonderful experience, but this time I was struggling more with the pains of the contractions, and my labor was longer. I don’t know how I would have done it without the pool. It made me feel weightless and my husband sat in there the whole time and held me. It was magical watching our baby come out together.

You were made for this. Know that you were designed by God to do this beautiful thing.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

The warm water of the birth pool was instant pain relief. Also, my husband put counterpressure on my back and helped me move into different positions.

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

It felt completely unbelievable and surreal. I couldn’t stop crying and laughing. All I could feel was gratitude like I was overflowing with love.

What did you name your baby, and why?

Monica Louise. Our baby was due on the feast day of St. Augustine, who is one of our favorite saints. When we found out we were having a girl, we decided to name her Monica, after St. Augustine’s mother, St. Monica. Louise is after my grandmother.

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

You were made for this. Know that you were designed by God to do this beautiful thing.
Read up and prepare. I thought the most helpful book was Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth. Read and research as much as you can. Don’t be afraid to birth outside of the hospital.