Praying for Strength, Perseverance and Comfort Helped Leann During Her Home Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I woke up at 12 AM to my two year old crying and after tucking him back into bed I crawled back into my bed. As soon as I got settled and closed my eyes I had my first contraction. I immediately thought “Oh yeah..THAT’S what labor feels like..”

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

I don’t find there to be any challenges to giving birth naturally. I don’t know of any other way! I’ve done it 3 times now, once in a hospital, twice at home and I wouldn’t trade it.

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

Prayer. Praying for strength, perseverance and comfort. Knowing that the Creator of me and the child I was carrying was holding us in the palm of His hand.

What surprised you about your birth?

How quickly it passed! I was managing contractions very well and suddenly hit transition knowing I would be holding my baby very soon.

I physically felt as the baby’s feet slipped from high in the left side of my stomach to out into the world. It is powerful to feel what is happening inside your body. That is the beauty of natural, unmedicated childbirth.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

Standing and swaying from side to side. Deep breaths while counting the seconds to myself as contractions came and went. And for the first time, this 3rd labor, I mixed essential oil spritzers for specific stages of labor. Having those sprayed around me as I was laboring was extremely helpful in taking my mind off of the contraction and pressure I was feeling and focusing on the aroma around me.

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

Wonderful. Each time it is so surreal, kind of an out of body experience, as I hold the little person who has been growing in my womb for so long, at last in my arms. That is also the point where we first discover if it is a baby boy or girl since we don’t find out during pregnancy. It’s magical.

What did you name your baby, and why?

We named him Elam. We like uncommon Bible names and that one spoke to us as soon as we heard it. We knew early in my pregnancy that if we had another little boy that is what his name would be.

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

You can do it! Women have been naturally giving birth for 1000s of years. It is an amazing experience actually feeling what your body can do and the strength and endurance the Lord gives to you during child birth. During this delivery, I physically felt as the baby’s feet slipped from high in the left side of my stomach to out into the world. It is powerful to feel what is happening inside your body. That is the beauty of natural, unmedicated childbirth.