Taking Mama Natural Class And Being Active Helped Katya During Her Hospital Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

My water broke at 36 weeks and 1 day at 1:30 AM and contractions started right away getting closer and closer together. By 6 AM they were 4 minutes apart and we were headed to the hospital. I was checked and immediately there was a puddle of water underneath me so I got admitted. I was laboring naturally until 11 AM but was not dilating fast enough for the doctor so they started pitocin which I had for next 8 hours. I was able to move around and change positions and it really helped to move my baby through the birth canal because at some point he got stuck. After about 20 minutes of pushing he was born at 7:20 PM We had a short skin to skin bonding until he was taken to NICU due to respiratory problem. He stayed there for 10 days gradually improving. Being discharged from the hospital on the 3rd day, I visited him for every feeding, every 3 hours pumping at home and bringing my milk since very beginning. I did lots of skin to skin and started breastfeeding too. My baby is 7 weeks old now and doing great!

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

I didn’t really have “all natural labor” because of pitocin, which was not my choice. But at least I didn’t have epidural! I convinced myself that epidural was not an option and surprisingly it worked for me. I never even asked for it out loud, although sometimes pain was very intense.

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

I took Mama Natural class and was very active: working full time, did a lot of walking and even gardening. During pregnancy I ate about 100 grams of protein daily and only one Larabar a day because I had gestational diabetes controlled with diet.

What surprised you about your birth?

How early it started at 36 weeks and 1 day and that I did it with no epidural even though I had 8 hours of pitocin that was not my choice!

I learned a lot of helpful information and tried my best to have as natural hospital birth as possible. Millions of women did it naturally and you can do it too! It’s all worth it!

What pain relief strategies worked best?

My doula was amazing even though it was a backup doula that I never met before because my doula was out of town (I was 36 weeks and she wasn’t on call yet). She did a lot positive affirmations, applied counter pressure, helped me change positions, applied essential oils.

What position did you end up delivering in?

Traditional on my back.

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

It was amazing! However my baby was taken to NICU soon after being premature and having respiratory issue.

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

I learned a lot of helpful information and tried my best to have as natural hospital birth as possible.
Millions of women did it naturally and you can do it too! It’s all worth it!