Staying Active, Drinking Red Raspberry Leaf Tea and Taking Evening Primrose Oil Helped Anna During Her Birth Center Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I had a membrane sweep 24 hours before labor had started, since I was a week past my due date, so I was even more attentive to my body.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

Aside from this being my first birthing experience, I wasn't prepared for the fatigue that came with laboring.

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

I wasn't able to take any birthing classes so a lot of my mental preparation came from videos and blogs/articles/experiences other women had shared with me. What I believe helped me in preparing physically was staying active, drinking red raspberry leaf tea, and taking evening primrose oil (with my midwives approval).

What surprised you about your birth?

My entire labor, from start to finish, lasted about 5 hours! At the time, I was so shocked and completely unprepared for such a short labor. However, I had been dilated to a 3 1/2 - 4 and was 80% effaced for almost a week so looking back I can see a contribution to how everything happened so quickly.

Stay active, do your research on herbs and supplements that benefit you and your baby's bodies, listen to your gut, and don't let other people's fear of birth bring stress or doubt onto yourself. Our bodies are capable of so much. They deserve to be prioritized over someone else's opinion. And, last but not least- Expect the unexpected- always!

What pain relief strategies worked best?

Since everything did happen so quickly, the methods I was planning on using went out the door pretty quickly. I wasn't prepared to experience that much pressure and contracting in such a short amount of time, but I did find a bit of relief in a birthing tub (where I also delivered).

What position did you end up delivering in?

I was in a sitting position for a few pushes, then completely delivered on my knees.

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

It was unreal! He was perfect. I'll never forget that moment.

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

Stay active, do your research on herbs and supplements that benefit you and your baby's bodies, listen to your gut, and don't let other people's fear of birth bring stress or doubt onto yourself. Our bodies are capable of so much. They deserve to be prioritized over someone else's opinion. And, last but not least- Expect the unexpected- always!