Supportive Birth Team And Birthing Classes Helped Vikki Achieved Home Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I had several episodes of false labor where my contractions would be consistent for hours and then just stop. So when I was actually in labor it wasn't until my contractions were pretty close together that I believed it was the real deal. By the time I called the midwife and she arrived at our house shortly after I was already 9cm dilated.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

The most challenging part for me was believing in myself that I could handle a natural labor. This is why talking to other women and hearing their stories was so helpful for me. I really began to understand that this is what my body was made to do and I just needed to believe that I could trust in myself and allow labor to unfold naturally.

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

My biggest issue was confidence in myself so having an amazing and supportive birth team was one of biggest thing that boosted my confidence in preparation for childbirth. I also tried to read positive birth stories learning from others experiences who had also gone through natural childbirth. I took the Mama Natural birth class and a Hypnobirthing class. Anything I could do to educate myself on natural birth or have as another "tool in my toolbox" to use during birth was my biggest preparation.

What surprised you about your birth?

I was very anxious about childbirth throughout my whole pregnancy but when it came to the real thing I was surprisingly more calm and confident in myself than I had been before. My amazing birth team, supportive husband and affirmations really helped me through the more challenging moments of birth. There were moments when I wasn't sure if I could do it but the support of everyone around me helped calm me down and refocus me.

My amazing birth team, supportive husband and affirmations really helped me through the more challenging moments of birth.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

The things i found most helpful was actually getting into positions that helped to reduce the labor pain - for me anything that placed counter pressure on my sacrum helped a lot. I would lean forward onto my husband while pushing my back into the wall to apply pressure. Hot water and getting into the birthing tub also helped tremendously.

What position did you end up delivering in?

We planned on having a water birth and I started pushing in the birth pool but in the end I wound up getting in our bed and delivering while lying on my back.

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

It was the most amazing feeling to hold Braden for the first time. Seeing my husband's eyes light up as he got to meet him and place him on my chest was just magical. I think during the first moments everything else around me faded away as I got to meet our sweet baby boy.

How did the Mama Natural Birth Class help you in your childbirth?

All of the techniques taught in the Mama Natural Birth class really gave me confidence that I could handle a natural birth. Seeing the stories from other families and what they did was also really helpful. The knowledge I gained from taking the course allowed me to know exactly what was happening throughout my labor and techniques I could use to help ease the process along.