Reading Mama Natural Book Along With Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth Helped Bridget Achieve Home Water Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I was woken up at 3:00 AM the day before my due date with an intense feeling in my abdomen, which I knew must have been a contraction.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

Since this was my first birth experience I really had nothing to compare it to. However, the pain in my hips right before I started to push was very intense.

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

Reading my Mama Natural book along with a lot of others including Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth. I also ate six dates a day and drank three cups of red raspberry leaf tea each day the month before my due date. In addition, I watched a lot of home birth videos from our midwife. Another thing that really helped was writing out birth affirmations in the weeks prior to giving birth.

What surprised you about your birth?

I was most surprised by how strong and capable I am. My body knew exactly what to do and all I had to do was keep a positive frame of mind. I really went inside myself during contractions and was surprised that I was able to completely block out everything around me. The biggest surprise was how much I needed my husband; He read our affirmations to me, maintained eye contact with me and was there for me throughout the entire process.

Trust in your own abilities and realize that your body knows exactly what to do. Find your own ways to prepare physically and mentally well in advance. Take charge and realize that anything you set your mind to is possible, including natural childbirth.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

My midwife brewed some herbal tea and provided me with a massage when things got tough which really helped. It also helped to do deep breathing during contractions and when I couldn’t do it on my own my husband guided me through it. Once the contractions were closer together I got on the birth pool which helped immensely.

What position did you end up delivering in?

I ended up giving birth on my hands and knees in a birth pool.

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

It was so amazing. I was enamored with our son from the very beginning. We kept the gender a surprise throughout the pregnancy and once he was born that was the furthest thing from my mind. I just kept staring at our beautiful baby and after a few minutes finally looked down to see we’d had a boy!

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

Trust in your own abilities and realize that your body knows exactly what to do. Find your own ways to prepare physically and mentally well in advance. Take charge and realize that anything you set your mind to is possible, including natural childbirth.