Preparing with Her Doula and Reading Affirmation Cards Helped Ewa During Her Birth Center Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I started have prodromal labor on a Tuesday and started actual labor on friday. It was actually difficult to tell when real labor started because the contractions were the same but the minutes between them decreased so that is how I knew.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

The prodromal labor. I didn't sleep for days before I actually went into labor because at night I would have hard contractions every 10-15 minutes for days before I actually went into "real" labor.

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

Preparing with my doula and reading the affirmation cards she had given me. As this was my third birth and posibbly my last, I was determined to have it happen the way nature intended it to. My first was an unneccesary section due to induction and my second was a VBAC with pitocin and an epidural. So switching to the midwives and getting a doula was the best way to prepare.

What surprised you about your birth?

How much pressure I felt on my rectum with each contraction in active labor. Luckily my awesome nurse reassured me that this was normal.

Believe in yourself because you can do it! Have a birth plan but don't be discouraged if it changes a bit. You can't predict what you will want/need till you are in labor.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

Deep breathing and laboring in the tub at the hospital/birth center for 3 hours. The water saved me! Having my favorite station playing on Pandora. My doula rubbing what every needed to be rubbed. I was at home till I was at 7 cm and my birthing ball was the best five bucks I spent. Great tool for early labor but wanted nothing to do with it once I was feeling pressure from babies head.

What position did you end up delivering in?

I wanted to deliver in the tub but because I layed in there for so long laboring, I had a horrible kink in a muscle in my back and have to get out. I delivered on the bed on my back. This felt like the position I needed/wanted to be in when the time came.

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

Amazing! And after a long labor that I thought would never end, relieved. I was so happy to be holding my baby that after a minute or so the nurse asked if I wanted to know the gender. I just kept calling him "baby" for that minute. In all the excitement it didn't even occur to me to ask.

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

Believe in yourself because you can do it! Have a birth plan but don't be discouraged if it changes a bit. You can't predict what you will want/need till you are in labor. I highly recommend going to a midwife and voicing your concerns and expectations. Surround yourself with people who want you to succeed. Get a doula! I would also recommend just having your partner and your doula there. Too many people whether family or not, may not be helpful when your in active labor. Less is more.