Taking a Bradley Class Helped Marcy During Her Home Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

About 30 minutes after I woke up with my water leaking. I was having mild contractions after about 10 minutes then suddenly they were coming fast and furious 2-3 minutes apart at least 45 seconds long.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

Not realizing how fast things were really going to happen.

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

Take a Bradley class with my first and read through the materials with this pregnancy.

What surprised you about your birth?

It was over an hour and 45 minutes after I woke up to my water tearing. We had no time to even leave for the hospital and had the baby in our bathroom. I was standing up to put on my pants and told my husband the baby was coming. Standing while giving birth definitely worked in my favor!

You can do it! You need to prepare through a natural childbirth class. Choose one that is not through your hospital.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

Relaxation and verbalizing.

What position did you end up delivering in?

Standing up

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

Amazing and kind of awkward since we were in the back of an ambulance and he was wrapped in one of those warming things made of the same sort of material as a pop tart wrapper.

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

You can do it! You need to prepare through a natural childbirth class. Choose one that is not through your hospital.