Reading A Lot Of Birth Stories And Keeping Herself Positive Helped Victoria Achieve Home Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

As soon as I woke up in the morning I knew it was starting. I was having contractions every 6 minutes and I waited an hour before I called my midwife and doula. I was 1 week past my due date and at my appointment two days earlier, my midwife checked and I was already 5 cm dilated. They expected a fast labor with this information so as soon as I called they started heading over to my place.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

There was a conversation I had with my doula where it all became very clear to me what I had to do. I told her that when I sat on my birth ball it was very uncomfortable and I felt a lot of pressure in my pelvis so I kind of stayed off the ball for a while. She explained that the pressure was my baby moving down into my pelvis and to think of it as purposeful pain. So the hardest part was accepting that I had to kind of lean in to the pain and embrace it. Once I accepted that the more pressure I felt, the closer I was to meeting my baby, it became so clear what I had to do. But accepting that was the hardest part.

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

I read a ton of birth stories, a lot of positive self talk, reminding myself that my body was totally made to endure this. We also chose to be surprised of our baby’s sex. I think having that element of surprise while I was in labor was good motivation to get me through.

What surprised you about your birth?

It was a much quicker labor than my first. I think being home and having access to my own food and drinks and being able to labor on my own couch or bed or shower was key to keeping me relaxed enough to dilate so quickly.

Talk to other women who want to encourage you and share their positive birth stories. Don’t listen to the negativity, just embrace as much positive experiences as you can. Believe in yourself, your baby, and your body.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

Earlier on I tried to be very mindful of my face muscles when I was having contractions. I tried to smile or at least keep my facial muscles and jaw as relaxed as possible. I was shaking my hands a lot too trying not to clench and stay loose and relaxed.
My doula did a lot of back massage and hip pressure. Once I got in the water and I was really close to the end, my husband was pouring hot water on my lower back and it was such a pleasant relief.

What position did you end up delivering in?

In the water, on all fours.

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

It was indescribable because I felt immeasurable love for this baby and also a deep sense of accomplishment in myself. As women we don’t always feel proud of our bodies. But after this experience I have a strong respect and I’m so very proud of my body.

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

Talk to other women who want to encourage you and share their positive birth stories. Don’t listen to the negativity, just embrace as much positive experiences as you can. Believe in yourself, your baby, and your body.