Reading Many Positive Birth Stories And Positive Birth Affirmations Helped Stephanie During Her Second Unmedicated Hospital Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I had a doctor’s appointment at 40w3days and he did a cervical check and I was 4cm. Later that same day I had an ultrasound to make sure my fluid levels were okay since I was overdue. My doctor told me to go up to triage after the ultrasound and at that point, I was 4.5-5cm. After discussing options with the doctor that was on call we decided to artificially rupture my membranes during a cervical check (which is what happened with my firstborn). So at 7 pm on October 14, my active labour started.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

Having an unmedicated birth wasn’t challenging, it was the prodromal labor I’d been dealing with since I was 36 weeks that was hard! On an almost daily basis for the last 4 weeks of my pregnancy, I thought my mild contractions were going to pick up and turn into active labour. I’ve always been someone that felt very in-tune with my body so not being able to recognize if/when labour was starting was very frustrating and the anticipation was exhausting.

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

This was my second unmedicated birth, so I relied heavily on my first experience. I read many positive birth stories and I didn’t listen to friends or family that wanted to tell me negative anecdotes. I printed positive birth affirmations and had them handy during labor and would read and focus on them during contractions.

What surprised you about your birth?

I found that pushing was hard. Similar to my first labor, I found the pushing part a nice break from contractions so I didn’t have this intense desire to push really hard. So the pushing took longer than I wanted.

Take the time to read positive unmedicated birth stories. Watch videos if you feel comfortable. Make sure the people you surround yourself with support your plans. Research why you want to avoid interventions so that you are ready to defend your decisions if need be. You can do it!!

What pain relief strategies worked best?

Bouncing on an exercise ball while remaining quiet and saying positive affirmations in my head. Also focusing on the remaining water that came out with every contraction was a great distraction from the pain and I knew it meant I was getting closer to meeting my baby boy. My husband would also rub my lower back in between contractions.

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

It felt absolutely amazing. I had no idea he’d be in my arms so quickly. My water broke at 7pm and he was born at 10:12pm after 45 mins of pushing.

What did you name your baby, and why?

We named him Noah Henry. We always liked the name Noah, and Henry is in memory of my mom’s mother, my Oma, whose middle name was Henrietta.

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

Take the time to read positive unmedicated birth stories. Watch videos if you feel comfortable. Make sure the people you surround yourself with support your plans. Research why you want to avoid interventions so that you are ready to defend your decisions if need be. You can do it!!