Taking Time To Relax And Talking To Her Baby Helped Erika Achieve Birth Center Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

My husband and I went to bed around 10 PM and at 11:20 PM I felt a pop- I realized it was my water breaking, but I still did not believe it was anything. I contacted the midwives and told them I was going to go back to sleep, knowing that I probably had a long day ahead of me- little did I know contractions were going to kick in FAST and strong ten minutes later!

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

The most challenging thing was the ride to the birth center! We lived an hour and forty-five minutes away and had to travel along a windy, mountainous road. Luckily, I was able to stay calm and breathe through the contractions as my husband drove (quickly) to get us there with forty-five minutes to spare before she came!

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

I believe the most helpful thing I did was take time to relax and talk to the baby; I let the baby know that we were going to be in birth together, that we were going to make a great team, and that the baby should have no fears because I would be there the whole time and that at the end, we would get the best reward- meeting each other!

What surprised you about your birth?

How quickly everything happened! From the time my water broke until she arrived in my arms, it was under 5 hours!

You can do it! Our amazing bodies were meant to do this and you ARE strong enough. Although there may be some fear of the unknown, trust in your body and your baby that you are able to do this.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

Not calling it pain was HUGE for me! I really tried to be in the moment for the entire birth; I had read how euphoric it is between contractions and really wanted to experience that, and I did! I practiced being mindful and meditative on the rides up to the birth center for my prenatal appointments so that I could prepare the best I could for each curve and turn we would have to make on baby's birthday.

What position did you end up delivering in?

All fours! Honestly, I would have given birth on the toilet because that was providing some pressure relief, but my amazing midwife was able to convince me otherwise :)

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

I am getting chills just thinking about it again- it was the most incredibly intense connection with someone that I have ever had. Baby entered the world so gently into her Dad's arms and then into mine; I could not have asked for a more peaceful birthday for her.

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

You can do it! Our amazing bodies were meant to do this and you ARE strong enough. Although there may be some fear of the unknown, trust in your body and your baby that you are able to do this. Also, it is okay to not have any idea what your birth story will look like ahead of time, be in the moment and be kind to yourself no matter what. Remember, it is your baby's birthday and that calls for the happiest of celebrations!