Pre-natal Yoga and Consistently Using Her Birthing Ball Helped Rebekah During Her Hospital Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I was induced early due to loads of medical issues. I was already 3 cm dilated and having strong contractions for about 2 weeks though.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

I ended up being induced which I absolutely did not expect. But, I was able to still avoid any pain medication and I am beyond thankful for that. The most challenging thing about it was just trusting myself. Finding confidence in myself.

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

Pre-natal yoga and consistently using my birthing ball helped not only prepare my body for labor, but also helped ease my back pain. Educating myself on laboring positions helped me figure out what I wanted to do during labor and educated my husband helped him not be blindsided by the birthing experience. It is important for everyone involved to be educated to some extent.

What surprised you about your birth?

How quickly I progressed without pain meds. Since I was not numb to the experience I knew how to move my body in order to help labor continue to move forward. I was in labor for 6 hours and only pushed for about 10 minutes.

Sometimes medically you have to change your plan a bit. Pregnancy and birth is unpredictable. But, just because something doesn't go as planned doesn't mean you have to throw out all of your goals. An induction doesn't have to mean your birth goals are pointless. It just might mean you have to work a little bit harder. And no matter what that baby is worth every bump in the road and you are incredibly strong for bringing a child into this world. Never doubt yourself.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

I used a pain cream from my favorite essential oil company. I had my husband massaging it on my back almost constantly. I also had a birth playlist with my favorite stress relief songs and tried to focus on the music.

What position did you end up delivering in?

I delivered on my back because I was just tired. I had a really rough pregnancy and lost a ton of muscle. I was able to labor on all fours majority of the time but the last 30 minutes my body just didn't want to lift itself up anymore.

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

Unreal. We had 3 previous losses. I have really extremely rough pregnancies. With Hyperemesis Gravidarum and an incompetent cervix this baby was very much fought for. My body went through hell and back. But, he is so worth it.

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

Sometimes medically you have to change your plan a bit. Pregnancy and birth is unpredictable. But, just because something doesn't go as planned doesn't mean you have to throw out all of your goals. An induction doesn't have to mean your birth goals are pointless. It just might mean you have to work a little bit harder. And no matter what that baby is worth every bump in the road and you are incredibly strong for bringing a child into this world. Never doubt yourself.