Resting A Lot Helped Kim Achieve Birth Center Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I realized I was really in labor in the afternoon after going to my 40-week check-up with my midwife. At 9 AM I was having a few strong contractions an hour, by 4 PM my contractions were 8 minutes apart and by 6 PM I knew it was time to get to the birth center.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

The most challenging part about going natural was staying focused at the very end. As my baby was being born she got stuck and that prolonged things a bit. So it was hard at that point to stay focused.

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

I think resting a lot really helped prepare me this time. I wasn't as good about not pushing myself during my previous pregnancies. This time, if I was tired I rested rather than trying to keep up my normal routine and activities.

What surprised you about your birth?

I was surprised by how quickly the process was from beginning to end. I was dialated 1 cm and having very irregular contractions at 9 AM and holding my daughter at 10:40 PM.

Just decide that's what you're going to do, and surround yourself with people who support your decision.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

Walking was the best pain relief.

What position did you end up delivering in?

I ended up in a half-squatting, half sitting position to deliver. It was kind of awkward, but once the baby was on her way I wasn't moving!

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

Holding my daughter for the first time was incredible. We had had a 2nd trimester loss between her and my 2nd son, so I was very anxious to hold her near the end of the pregnancy. I knew she was healthy and well, but I just wanted to hold her to be sure!

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

Just decide that's what you're going to do, and surround yourself with people who support your decision. My husband and I were on the same page about having natural childbirth and he was my number one support. Our first son was born via emergency c-section and our other babies have been unmedicated VBACs. We are thankful for the c-section that allowed our first to be born healthy and strong, and also for the birth center staff that supported us when we decided to have vbacs with the other pregnancies.