Taking Hypnobabies Course With Her Husband Helped Melanie Achieve Natural Hospital Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I knew I was in the early stages of labor because I hadn’t experienced any Braxton Hicks during pregnancy, so the cramping coming at regular intervals was a dead give away. I also happened to have my 41 week check up that day, so my midwife confirmed I was in early labor.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

I suffered severe back labor for almost 72 hours. It was completely unexpected and very painful. There were many moments of self-doubt when I considered giving up and asking for an epidural. Thankfully, I labored mostly at home, so there were no medication options and I was able to move around as I pleased, while eating and drinking when I was able to. Sleeping wasn’t much of an option since the contractions were coming anywhere between 2-10 minutes, but resting as much as I could between waves was the best I could do to preserve my energy.

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

My husband and I took a 6 week Hypnobabies course when I was 20 weeks pregnant. I credit this as to why I was able to power through the intense labor and follow our birth plan. Not only is the content they provide you with invaluable, by doing it so early on allowed us to practice for many weeks and really put the tools to use when the day(s) finally arrived. Preparation is so important!

What surprised you about your birth?

Hands down, the back labor. I had heard about back labor but you don’t anticipate it happening to you...and especially not for 3 days! It was the most exhausting, yet rewarding and empowering 3 days of my life.

Birth is not as scary as the media or even your friends and family may say it is...it is beautiful and empowering and the most natural thing our bodies are meant to do. Preparation is key - you wouldn’t run a marathon without training, and I believe the same thing applies to birth. You CAN do this and you WILL do this!

What pain relief strategies worked best?

I listened to my Hypnobabies tracks throughout my entire labor. They kept me in a hypnotic state of mind and kept me focused. I think labor and delivery would have been very different had I not had those tracks to listen to. I also made sure to keep my hands and face relaxed through every contraction and breathed deeply in through my nose and out through my mouth. Thankfully, I had the support of my husband, mom, and doula, who all helped provide counter-pressure/massages on my back through most every contraction as well.

What position did you end up delivering in?

I was on my back on an incline with my feet up. It was not my ideal position, but I had to stay hooked up to the fetal monitor, and when I found out I was 10 cm and ready to push, I was READY, and it didn’t even cross my mind to ask to change positions - I was in the zone. I ended up pushing for 48 minutes and had a very normal tear, so I considered it a success!

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

The adrenaline and euphoria that rushed over me is unlike anything I can explain. I had just labored very hard for 3 days with barely any sleep, but the moment my daughter was placed on my chest, all of that didn’t matter anymore. Looking down for the first time at the tiny miracle I created inside of me was the most surreal and special moment of my life thus far.

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

Don’t doubt yourself. You are so much stronger than you give yourself credit for. Birth is not as scary as the media or even your friends and family may say it is...it is beautiful and empowering and the most natural thing our bodies are meant to do. Preparation is key - you wouldn’t run a marathon without training, and I believe the same thing applies to birth. Know your options, pick a pain relief approach that fits best for you, and make sure to give yourself positive affirmations everyday during your pregnancy. You CAN do this and you WILL do this!