Prenatal And Childbirth Education Helped Nykia During Her Hospital Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I’ll never forget it. It was 9:13 AM on Monday, 3/4/19. I was doing my usual tossing and turning, trying to sleep when I was jarred awake by the first contraction. It felt like a menstrual cramp and something in me just knew it was the real deal. By the time I got to the hospital almost 12 hours later, I was 4cm dilated and 100% effaced. I labored for 20 hours before needing an epidural and subsequently a c-section.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

My baby was posterior and wouldn’t rotate to a more favorable position to descend into my pelvis and put more pressure on my cervix. I also began to retain urine in the midst of labor, which didn’t help him find a more favorable position either. The pain that was once a challenge to overcome one contraction at a time turned into suffering.

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

Sitting on the birthing ball and soaking up lots of prenatal and childbirth education, hands down.

What surprised you about your birth?

How not in control I was regarding how labor progressed; baby was the boss and instinctually knew what was the safest and best way to be born. I was also surprised by how natural-minded the hospital was. I had a midwife and a doula, but even when doctors had to become involved the vibe didn’t change at all.

All of the education was very useful, especially in the throws of labor. I felt confident in knowing exactly what my body was doing and when. The course also helped me make the best decisions possible for myself and my son once my “plan” for natural, vaginal birth became dangerous for him. Education was definitely key for me.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

The shower!! Oh my goodness, the shower was a lifesaver. I ultimately ended up with an epidural but prior to that, laboring standing up in the shower with hot water running down my lower back (lots of back labor), while rocking and swaying my hips helped the most.

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

Magical. Supernatural. Surreal.

What did you name your baby, and why?

Enoch, because it means consecrated and dedicated to God. His name means exactly how I and his father plan to raise him. His two middle names are biblical(Hebrew) with great meaning as well. Our son is a gift from God meant to be given right back to God in order to live out the purpose bestowed upon him long before he was even thought of on this earth.

How did the Mama Natural Birth Class help you in your childbirth?

All of the education was very useful, especially in the throws of labor. I felt confident in knowing exactly what my body was doing and when. The course also helped me make the best decisions possible for myself and my son once my “plan” for natural, vaginal birth became dangerous for him. Education was definitely key for me.