Reading Other Birth Stories Helped Ellen During Her Natural Hospital Birth

Video Interview With Ellen

When did you realize you were really in labor?

This was my fifth child and I was nearly 10 days overdue. On day 8 overdue I had a little bit of bloody show. I laid down early (9pm) on Day 9 and slowly and steadily contractions started coming. I was able to lay down for the first two hours and then walk around, stretch, sleep between some contractions all night. I was able to walk outside under the stars and breathe through contractions in the room we were bringing our baby home to. It felt very slow. Around 4am I called my midwife and she suggested I stay home a few more hours, knowing that I did not desire to labor long in the hospital. By 6am, I knew my other kids would be waking up soon and I felt like I was needing to focus on my labor even though it was still slow. The hospital was an hour away so we loaded up and labored in the back of the van on all fours. There was not a room available at the hospital when we arrived, so we walked around the parking area for 3 hours. It was a beautiful, crisp, clear May morning so I loved being outside. Around 10am we were admitted. The midwife asked about my labor and I told her it had been going for a long time but felt slow. When she checked me I was surprised to be at 5/6cm. She swept my membranes and labor intensified as I labored in the shower.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

I knew that labor is mental, physical, emotional and spiritual. It is demanding. I knew I needed encouragement to stay positive. I had some cues for my husband and my midwife that told them I needed to be encouraged!

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

A big part of my birth preparation was reading the birth stories on Mama Natural. Every birth is different and it is so helpful to read about the variety of experiences. I had my own experiences (giving birth naturally 4 times before), but it is good to be reminded of what is possible!

What surprised you about your birth?

She was my only baby born in the daytime! It was a welcome change!
Also, my body has its own birth rhythm. I always have a hard time around 7-8cm. It is like my body gets hung up there. Once we get through that point it is very quick and intense.

Our bodies are amazing! Birth is beautiful and intense. Find a breathing method that helps you to relax and surrender during contractions. Read birth stories! Believe that you have what it takes to bring this life into the world.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

I prefer the shower! I use the tub to take a break, but the shower is where my best labor happens. Sometimes my husband would push on my back or a midwife would squeeze my thighs!

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

I don’t think I put her down for the first 24 hours. Ohhh, she was worth the wait. It never gets old. A baby is the best reward after pregnancy/labor/and delivery!

What did you name your baby, and why?

Eden Ann. It’s a long story, but Eden represents the beauty and perfection of the garden where God created all things and Ann is for her paternal grandmother that passed away 2 years before she was born.

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

Our bodies are amazing! Birth is beautiful and intense. Find a breathing method that helps you to relax and surrender during contractions. Read birth stories! Believe that you have what it takes to bring this life into the world.