Reading The Bradley Book Helped Brittany During Her Hospital Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I realized I was in labor when I woke up at 2 AM with regular contractions. I wasn't surprised at all. I had just taken castor oil 7 hours earlier as suggested by my midwife to avoid induction. I timed them for 3 hours, walking around my house in circles, before I actually believed it. That's when I woke my Husband up and said, "Babe, I don't think you are going to work today."

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

The most challenging about going natural was not being able to sleep through any of the pain. I had a 34 hour labor and only slept for 3 hours before I woke up with contractions. Once I got over the, "I'm too exhausted, I can't do this anymore," I had a much easier time.

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

I read the Bradley Book, which a friend loaned me, and that helped to remember some of the things I read, like "Don't fight the contractions." It also helped my Husband to know what to expect. As I was reading it, I would tell him, "It says here if you rub my back, it may feel good one minute and not the next." I had already had a child, but my first birth I had Demoral and an epidural.

The last thing that really helped me through was positive affirmation. I kept telling myself through each contraction, "I am a strong woman of God. He made me to do this. He will give me the strength to make it through." And then hearing my Husband and midwife saying, "You are doing well. You have this," all through my 5 hours of pushing.

What surprised you about your birth?

I was surprised by how messy labor is!! I was allowed to walk around and get on my ball while waiting on my baby to turn as she was coming down. Let's just say I had no clue what all came before the baby!

You can do it. It is well worth it! And SO empowering. Just tell yourself you can do it. By time you are done telling yourself how well you are doing, the contraction will be over.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

Taking a hot shower! I also spent a lot of time on my birth ball because I had horrible back labor.

What position did you end up delivering in?

Hands and knees on top of the bed. I just could not take the pain of being on my back.

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

I have never felt anything like it. They handed her straight through to me. The pain instantly went away and I turned over so I could just sit and stare. I could not stop kissing her!

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

You can do it. It is well worth it! And SO empowering. Just tell yourself you can do it. By time you are done telling yourself how well you are doing, the contraction will be over.