Rachel's Inspiring Home Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I woke up at 1:30 a.m. and had cramping, which I never had before. My body also "emptied" itself out, just like the midwife said it would, so I knew it was for real. I had contractions about every 10-15 minutes through the rest of the night and they never stopped or slowed down.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

I don't find anything challenging about going natural...I think I'd find it to be challenging to do a hospital birth with meds and doctors, rather than in the comfort of my own home with a midwife.

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

I did everything natural, before getting pregnant and while pregnant, so I think I prepared myself for the actual birth all throughout my pregnancy. I worked with my chiropractor/herbalist, who also was with me through labor and birth. I had regular adjustments and took herbal tinctures while I was pregnant. I also did hip opening yoga poses every day. The last couple weeks before my due date, I loaded up on evening primrose oil and herbs to help my body get ready.

What surprised you about your birth?

I was surprised at how little pushing I did (about 10 minutes) and how it wasn't really painful while pushing or when he was coming out...just a burning sensation, nothing like while the contractions were coming one after the next before I started to push.

Do it! It couldn't have been any more peaceful and non invasive and I delivered my baby the way God intended out bodies to do so.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

My chiropractor was with me, giving me homeopathics to help everything along, including the pain (not sure what they were, other than arnica). Because I only had back labor, I found it easier to roll around on my balance ball and rock back & forth on my hands & knees. I also had lavender oil and clary sage oil rubbed on my feet, lower back, and stomach. A hard massage of my lower back really helped, too.

What position did you end up delivering in?

On my side on the bed. I originally wanted to give birth squatting on the floor, but because my back labor was so intense, I couldn't really get comfortable in that position.

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

I was in awe when the midwife held him up for me to see when he came out and I just stared at him. Once I held him, I couldn't believe he was mine and I was so excited to see what was inside of me for 9 months! I held him until my husband cut the cord. The midwife needed to clean me up, so my husband took him and sat with him in the living room alone, just staring at him. I was fine with that, because I kinda freaked out (not sure why...hormones, maybe?) and just let the midwife do what she needed to do to me, until I was ready to hold him again and nurse him.

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

Do it! It couldn't have been any more peaceful and non invasive and I delivered my baby the way God intended out bodies to do so. I can't describe how wonderful it was. If I were to have another baby (which I can't), I'd do the same thing all over again.