Reading A Ton Of Birth Stories Helped Chelsea During Her Natural Hospital Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I thought my water had broken very early on Friday morning. It wasn’t until we got to the hospital and they checked to make sure it was amniotic fluid that we realized we were really going to have a baby that day or the next.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

There are definitely times when you question whether or not you can make it through. I think not knowing when the pain is going to stop can be really challenging.

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

I listened to and read a ton of birth stories. It was really helpful to hear all of the different amazing things that can happen during labor.

What surprised you about your birth?

My labor and delivery was really long. I was honestly surprised that I made it through and really surprised that I never even thought about asking for an epidural. I thought for sure that at some point I would really want one. Also, my best friend ended up working that day on the labor and delivery floor, and she’s the one who caught our daughter! She also cut the cord since my husband didn’t want to. That will be such a special connection for us to share.

I was so proud that we had just gotten through that experience and so in awe that there was a baby in my arms.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

I found that getting simultaneous counter pressure on my back and hips from my nurse or midwife while squeezing my husband‘s hand was really a good combination. There was something about being connected to him while going through my contractions that really grounded me and help me get through them.

What position did you end up delivering in?

I ended up on all fours on the floor next to the bed!

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

It was incredibly surreal. I was so proud that we had just gotten through that experience and so in awe that there was a baby in my arms. She was so alert and her eyes were wide open and it was miraculous. She latched right away it was so incredible.

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

I think you have to decide that’s the way you want to go and acknowledge that there may be times where you want to give up. Definitely have serious conversations with your partner and your practitioners so that they’re on the same page and won’t try to convince you to do something you don’t want to and will help you when you’re feeling like you can’t do it anymore. But do be prepared that things happen and you may have to make changes in order to keep yourself and your baby safe. That’s definitely the most important part of all of this.