Squats Prepared Brooke for Labor

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I woke up to a loud popping noise. It sounded just like the word: POP. My eyes instantly opened in disbelief that this may be reality, as it felt like a dream. I awkwardly and briefly walked to the toilet where the bag of waters was fully released. My water definitely broke, and my husband was at work, coaching the 5 am CrossFit class.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

It was all a challenge. There wasn't one specific moment. My water broke, I started having instant hard contractions. My first birth was very different, so I assumed that I had plenty of time to get to the hospital. The baby was delivered within 2 hours of the first sign of labor. I'd say the transition was the hardest, though. I came to a point where I said to my husband that I would not be able to do it if it would be any longer. Luckily, I was at 8 cm and rapidly approaching go time.

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

Squats. Lots and lots of squats. My husband and I opened a CrossFit gym 2 months before I got pregnant, and I had daily access to our gym. Even if I didn't have the energy to do anything else, I made sure to get in there at least 3 days/week and put a barbell on my back for some squat sessions. I truly feel like this made a difference in my ability to approach labor with ease. There's nothing easy about labor and delivery. Strength is key.

What surprised you about your birth?

I prepared for birth based on my first birth, which was 11 years earlier. I wanted a natural birth this time, but deep down wondered if I'd be able to do it. I knew there would be pain--which there was, I knew I had support in my husband--which I did. I didn't know that none of that would matter. Our little girl was ready for her arrival, and nothing was going to get in the way. My midwife still hadn't made it, my nurses were stalling, my husband was trying to coach me through the labor pains, and I knew none of it mattered. I pushed twice and there she was. Sweet perfection, flawlessly and helplessly lying on the bed waiting for me to scoop her up and feed her.

There's nothing easy about labor and delivery. Strength is key.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

For me there wasn't much time for strategy, however, I was able to get through the car ride only because my husband had a cooler of heated, wet towels to hold over my lower abdomen.

What position did you end up delivering in?

I was in the bed where my nurses insisted on my being, since my midwife was on the way with the lining for the birthing tub. I was sitting up on one side of my body, using the foot of the same side for leverage. I'd say, semi-squat position.

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

It felt pretty triumphant.

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

My advice is to listen to your body during pregnancy, make sure you have a supportive group with you for the delivery, and relax the best you can with the knowledge that you are designed to do this. If you are in a good position to get strong (not high risk), even better. Strength is key.