Reading, Listening to Podcasts, Following Mama Natural and Doulas Helped Victoria During Her Natural Hospital Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I was 40+6 and had been having on and off contractions for 2 days. I realized it was the real deal when it was getting harder and harder to talk through them and they were pretty consistent.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

I think it is all mental. Our bodies were made to birth our babies so getting past the fear of birth and looking at it from a different perspective.

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

I think for me it was learning. Learning by reading, listening to podcasts, searching natural blogs, and following natural-minded midwives and doulas (like Mama Natural ;) ) I learned about what our bodies were built to do.

What surprised you about your birth?

I think for me, it surprised me how quickly it all happened. I was induced with my daughter and it was 36 hours until we met her. This time I was in labor maybe 12 hours from the start of consistent contractions. I was in active labor for only about 5 hours. It amazed me how my body knew exactly what to do without any guidance.

Indescribable. The rush of love that washed over me was surreal. I remember my husband said “you did it” and I smiled with tears in my eyes and said, “I did it”!

What pain relief strategies worked best?

For me, it was movement! I had really bad back labor so I would change positions every few contractions. I went from the bed to the birth ball to the couch to the tub and back until I was in transition from 8-10 cm (at which point I honestly couldn’t move out of the position I was in!)
I also had worship music playing and played affirmations, diffused oils, prayed a whole lot, and honestly moaned a whole lot (that helped me a ton) My husband did counterpressure as well which helped between contractions.

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

Indescribable. The rush of love that washed over me was surreal. I remember my husband said “you did it” and I smiled with tears in my eyes and said, “I did it”!

What did you name your baby, and why?

Layton Calhoun, we loved the first name and the middle name is a family name

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

Believe in your body and your ability to birth your baby. Read as much as you can on the process because it will eliminate the fear that surrounds birth. Birth is one of the most beautiful experiences and you can enjoy it with the right tools!