Taking a Birth Class With a Focus on Preparing For Natural Childbirth Helped Adrienne During Her Hospital Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

At 40 weeks and 4 days I awoke around 4:00 am to the baby's movement. I was not able to fall back asleep and had my first contraction around 5:00. They were mild and sporadic until my alarm went off around 7:00. I had to decide whether or not I would go into work, so I decided to get up and get ready. I knew if the contractions kept coming that it might be the start of the real thing. I went to the bathroom and had pink fluid in my panty liner, which at least helped me decide not to go into work that day! Over the next few hours, contractions were 30-45 minutes apart and I had some bloody show here and there. I showered and rested, but things really didn't start to pick up. I had my 41 week appoint at 1:00 pm, so my husband and I made the trek to the appointment. We were given strict orders to go home and nap "because [we] could be up all night in labor." I had my first strong contraction (I had to stop walking) as we were crossing the parking lot. Up until this point I didn't have to stop for a contraction. At 2:00 pm we grabbed lunch to go at one of our favorite spots. I had 4 contractions over the next hour. I was in bed by 3:00, but contractions were starting to come more regularly and I couldn't fall asleep. Things really got going after that. I was laboring in the tub by about 6:30. For the next hour or so, contractions progressed from 3-5 minutes apart to about 2-3 minutes apart. When I got out of the tub close to 8:00 contractions got really intense. So far, breathing and low moaning had gotten me through the waves, but now I needed pressure on my low back to bear the sensation. My husband pressed tennis balls into my low back as hard as he could ("harder! harder!" was all I could say). My water broke (gushed is more like it) a little while later. Shortly after that, I raced to the bathroom to throw up, realizing I was going through transition!! I got dressed in between contractions which brought me to my hands and knees each time. Before getting in the car for our 30 minute ride to the hospital, I had one last contraction on the kitchen floor... and my body started trying to push the baby down! I fought the urge to push all the way to the hospital. We breezed through triage because I was fully dilated, I pushed for almost 2 hours (first on my hands and knees, then in a squat position with the squat bar, then on the toilet, then on my side), and our daughter entered the world at 11:40 pm.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

I was surprised how difficult pushing was. I thought I could "breathe my baby out," but it turns out I had to hold my breath (not something I wanted to do) and give each push everything I had. It took me a while to learn how to push. I spent an hour being very ineffective before figuring how and where to push. The midwife helped my direct my pushes near the end by putting pressure on my perineum. It was very painful but it helped me push more effectively.

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

I did it all! And every little piece played a role in my childbirth experience. I was eager to learn as much as I possibly could to prepare myself and my husband for an intervention-free birth. Early on, my husband and I decided that he would be my birth coach/support person and that we would labor at home as long as possible. We took a birth class with a focus on preparing for natural childbirth. We toured the hospital twice (this helped us know exactly where to go on the big day, which helped us stay calm upon arrival). We switched care providers (at 32 weeks) from an OB that didn't fully embrace our longing for a natural birth to a group of midwives whose philosophy on childbirth met ours. I read a gazillion birth stories. I read Ina May Gaskin's Guide to Childbirth. My husband and I both read Husband Coached Childbirth (Bradley Method). I exercised throughout the second half of my pregnancy (in addition to walking, I did modified HIIT workouts to build strength and stamina). I went to the chiropractor weekly in my third trimester to create space for my baby to get in the right position. In early labor I read birth stories on Mama Natural to help me get geared up! With all of this preparation, I felt so ready and at peace when labor started. I wouldn't change a thing!

What surprised you about your birth?

It was so much harder than I thought it would be. I was also surprised that I delivered on my side. I always envisioned myself delivering in a squat or on all fours.

Prepare, prepare, prepare! You cannot over-prepare for something like this. Then, once you're in the thick of it, breathe and relax. Take contractions one at a time. You can do this!

What pain relief strategies worked best?

Breathing through contractions was key. Counter pressure on my back during transition helped tremendously.

What position did you end up delivering in?

On my side.

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

Amazing. Surreal. Comforting. All the pain and hardship of labor fades away instantly.

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

Prepare, prepare, prepare! You cannot over-prepare for something like this. Then, once you're in the thick of it, breathe and relax. Take contractions one at a time. You can do this!