Taking Childbirth Classes and Reading Birth Stories Helped Amanda During Her Home Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I had a lot of "practice labor" in the weeks prior to giving birth, and I was often disappointed when it didn't turn into the real thing. After a day of intense contractions, I went to sleep for the night around midnight wondering if this was it- at 5AM I felt a pop and got out of bed and my water gushed onto the floor! That's when I knew it was really (finally) happening.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

There's no escaping the sensations of labor and birth- and it really hurt! Also, the anticipation during pregnancy of how much it would hurt and how I would handle it was challenging. But- once you're in it- you just go through it.

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

Talking to people who had done it before me, taking childbirth classes and reading birth stories.

What surprised you about your birth?

I didn't immediately feel empowered. I was super shocked and relieved that everything went well, but honestly it took a few days for me to own feeling really good about having a natural birth at home. Now that I'm on the other side of it- I am proud of myself and would do it again- but it took some time for me to integrate everything that happened.

It's not easy but your body is meant to do this work and has its own innate knowledge (and its own pain relievers). Trust in yourself- women have been doing this forever.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

Having my husband and best friend holding me during contractions. Having someone to anchor onto really helped me.

What position did you end up delivering in?

On my back in my bed (not my favorite but that's what the midwives wanted).

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

I was so shocked and relieved that she was out and everything was ok- and there she was crying and pink! It took me a while to really understand what had happened. I remember being in awe of her little hands and her perfectly formed body.

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

You can do it! I have a super low pain tolerance and was really worried about giving birth and how it would feel. It's not easy but your body is meant to do this work and has its own innate knowledge (and its own pain relievers). Trust in yourself- women have been doing this forever.