Preparing Her Mindset Helped Catherine During Her Birth Center Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I realized I was truly in labor when my contractions were about 4-5 minutes apart consistently for over an hour. They were growing in intensity and I began to get the shakes and feel nauseous as well.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

For me, the pushing stage was the most challenging. Because my baby was head down but sideways I ended up pushing for almost 4 hours. I was very dehydrated due to vomiting and attempts to put an IV weren’t working so I was exhausted and wanted to give up so many times. My boyfriend and midwife were there to encourage me every second though, I could never have done it without their help and support.

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

I think just preparing my mindset, knowing that although I’d be in discomfort and pain, at the end I’d get to have my daughter. So focusing on the end result was helpful for me. I also kept thinking of all the women I know and see who have given birth, and that if they could do it so could I. I just kept telling myself I am powerful and capable.

What surprised you about your birth?

I was definitely not anticipating having to push for 4 hours! So that was a challenge to overcome. But I think I was just surprised at how my body truly knew what to do, and I instinctively knew how to respond to it and all the contractions, from breathing a certain way to moving through them, I found a way to labor that worked for me without really knowing how. It also amazed me how true it is that the second you hold your baby, everything about what you just experienced fades. Any pain, fear, exhaustion. That moment is so incredible, it surpasses any before it.

You are capable and strong and so is your body! Even at moments where you don’t see how you can find the energy or strength you do, and again that’s when the people around you are key. I’m grateful to have had the experience I did. I wouldn’t change anything about it.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

For me, moving around helped, I liked to be standing a lot, and rocking back and forth. I also labored in a tub for a couple of hours which was amazing for pain relief.

What position did you end up delivering in?

I ended up delivering laying on my back, while pulling my legs towards myself, I guess probably very similar to a hospital bed birth which surprised me but it worked and I had very minimal tearing.

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

Incredible. I was so amazed she was finally here, that I was actually a mother. It was just so surreal I don’t think I believed it for a few minutes. But once it set in just felt right, like she belonged in my life and always had. I was so happy and so at peace. It was worth every second of labor a thousand times over.

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

I think it’s very very important to create the environment you want for your labor and birth. Having the people there you want, whether one or whatever works for you is essential, you want to feel supported and encouraged when you need it. Also, just letting go and trusting your body is hard, but makes everything so much easier. You are capable and strong and so is your body! Even at moments where you don’t see how you can find the energy or strength you do, and again that’s when the people around you are key. I’m grateful to have had the experience I did. I wouldn’t change anything about it.