Reading And Making Positive Birth Affirmations Helped Valerie During Her Birth Center Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I went to 42 weeks, and my midwife suggested castor oil. I was having some cramps and thought some might be contractions, but it was hard to tell. I spoke to the midwife and she said to come in. She hooked me up to the NST monitor and saw that I was having contractions, so she felt comfortable breaking my water to get things going. Once she broke it, my contractions were immediately strong and consistently 5 min apart!

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

For me it was trusting myself that I was making the right decision for me and my baby. It can be hard when family and friends don't understand why you'd want to do it this way. With the support of my husband, i knew I could do it and that this is what I wanted. My first pregnancy and labor were full of interventions and I knew I wanted a different experience. It is one of the best decisions I ever made.

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

I read a lot of positive birth affirmations I would search for them on Pinterest and made a board for my favorites. I was actually doing this at the birth center in early labor. I think just staying in a positive head space is important.

What surprised you about your birth?

How fast it was! I was only in labor for 6 hours. The went from 6 cm to 10 in 5 minutes, and pretty much only had to push twice and she was out! It was amazing how smoothly everything went when my body was just allowed to do what it needed to do.

You can do it! People can be very discouraging when you tell them you want a natural labor. Try and find someone you know with a positive birth story and soak it in. I really liked ready positive birthing stories online, and there are a bunch in Ina May's book. Just know you are strong and it is worth it.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

Remembering to breathe. I was on my hand and knees leaning on a big ball for most of the time.

What position did you end up delivering in?

Kind of squatting and leaning over the side of a birthing tub.

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

It was an amazing feeling when I got to hold my baby. I was so proud of myself and my husband for staying true to how we wanted to have this baby and so relieved she was here.

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

You can do it! People can be very discouraging when you tell them you want a natural labor. Try and find someone you know with a positive birth story and soak it in. I really liked ready positive birthing stories online, and there are a bunch in Ina May's book. Just know you are strong and it is worth it.