Talking With Her Mother And Taking Birth Classes Helped Adele Achieve Her Home Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I had a false start the morning before she was born. The contractions stopped and then picked up again late afternoon/early evening. I had a business meeting with my husband scheduled and since the contractions were light, inconsistent, and could have been another false start I decided to keep the appointment. In the middle of the meeting is when the contractions intensified and I knew it was the real thing... we headed home quickly.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

The horror stories. It seemed the closer I got to my due date the more people felt inclined to tell me what went wrong with their deliveries. I got past it by noting that most of the stories went wrong because of unnecessary medical intervention.

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

I talked a lot with my mother, who had three natural births, two of which were at home. I also built a really solid relationship with my midwife and my husband and I took a birthing class taught by a doula who was very supportive of natural birth.

What surprised you about your birth?

There wasn’t much that was “textbook” about my labor and delivery. My contractions got increasingly intense but didn’t really get consistent until I was ready to push. They also only got to 30 seconds in length, when usually they are a minute or more. My husband, midwife, and I were all pretty unsure of when it was “go time” and we all thought we had plenty of time since this was my first child. Suddenly, I needed to push...and my midwife rushed over. I was only pushing for 2 hours before my daughter was born.

Find a practitioner you can wholly trust and establish a great relationship with him/her over the course of your pregnancy. Even more important than that, however, is to trust yourself. Tap into your instincts. You do have them, you may have just buried them. You were built for this and you know what to do.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

The only thing I could do was breath through the contractions. There wasn’t time for much else.

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

I was simply elated. The previous hours all melted away.

What did you name your baby, and why?

Jubilee. My husband and I will be debt free this year. That and it’s unique and beautiful!

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

Find a practitioner you can wholly trust and establish a great relationship with him/her over the course of your pregnancy. Even more important than that, however, is to trust yourself. Tap into your instincts. You do have them, you may have just buried them. You were built for this and you know what to do.