Unpacking All Of Her Fears and Anxieties About Birth and Making a Plan To Address Each One Helped Jennifer During Her Home Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I realized I was truly in labor when my contractions were uncomfortable enough to remain silent. I had contractions for a few nights before I went into labor but they always weakened overnight and stopped. I woke up at 4am with contractions that were uncomfortable enough to keep me awake and I needed to move. Then around 6am I couldn't stay silent anymore and knew it was labor.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

I think the most challenging yet wonderful thing about going natural is that you truly have to rely on yourself and have confidence. You have to tell yourself that everything you need lies within. You're not relying on a drug or a medical procedure to birth your baby.

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

My first birth taught me a lot about how to prepare for my second. The most helpful thing I did this time was to unpack all of my fears and anxieties about birth and make a plan to address each one. I did a lot of writing and focused on what I really wanted. I focused on connecting deeply and intuitively with my body and my baby. I also watched empowering birth videos that instilled a sense of confidence and helped me to feel that if these mamas can do it, then so can I.

What surprised you about your birth?

I was surprised at how much easier it was than my first! Everything happened at the perfect time. My midwife arrived shortly before I was ready to push, and my doula and photographer arrived exactly when I needed them. I was amazed at my ability to listen to my body and have the birth I dreamed of.

Get deeply in touch with your thoughts, fears, and anxieties about birth and work to understand and destroy them.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

The best pain relief strategies I found were to use counter pressure and deep breathing. I was having a lot of back pain during contractions and my doula applied counter pressure to my lower back and that helped immensely. She also helped me to change my breathing so that my breaths were longer and deeper.

What position did you end up delivering in?

I delivered my baby on hands and knees.

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

It felt amazing to hold my baby for the first time. I was in disbelief that everything happened according to my vision for my birth. It was perfect!

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

The best advice I would give anyone is to get deeply in touch with your thoughts, fears, and anxieties about birth and work to understand and destroy them. Make a plan for how to ease each fear you have. Get deeply in touch and build a relationship with your body and your baby. Trust your intuition!