Reading Mama Natura Book And Taking A Birth Class Helped Megan Achieve Her Natural Hospital Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I started having irregular contractions at 12am on Christmas Day. They continued all day. I wasn’t sure if this was the real thing because I was 4 days before my due date and the contractions were so irregular and low in my pelvic area. By that night they were very painful, and in bed that night my waters broke and I lost my mucus plug. So my husband and I hurried to the hospital. I was 4 cm dilated when I arrived.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

I was so worried that there would be an emergency complication that required c-section. I had gestational diabetes and my Dr was worried he would be too big for a natural birth. But at birth, he weighed 2 lbs less than what was estimated!

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

The Mama Natural book was an incredible resource! I also took online birthing class and breastfeeding classes. Education is highly important. And I made sure I had a birth plan. My hospital was very respectful of my birth plan.

What surprised you about your birth?

It was extremely painful but I got through it naturally. The Dr and nurses were impressed with my strength, but I thought I was being a wimp.

You can do it! Believe that you can. Don’t listen to negativity.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

I had learned the Bradley Method but I ended up not using those techniques. I was in too much pain. Yelling and moaning actually helped. And my husband rubbed my back constantly. I prayed out loud and mentally reminded myself that this was all happening as it should and getting me closer to my baby.

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

Incredible. After 4 hours of pushing, he finally arrived, and holding him was surreal bliss.

What did you name your baby, and why?

Parker Wesley. Parker was my Mom’s maiden name. Wesley is the middle name of my husband, his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

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

You can do it! Believe that you can. Don’t listen to negativity.