Visualizing and Embracing Contractions Helped Anna During Her Home Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I was riding with a friend, on our way back from a carpool trip to Costco. A few minutes before we reached the location my suburban was parked (about 7:30 pm), it dawned on me my underwear felt very wet. My first thought was embarrassment that I had somehow peed in my underwear. However, my embarrassment shifted to suspicion of amniotic fluid the moment I climbed out of her vehicle and felt more trickle down my legs. Since my friend is a mom who has been through 5 births herself, I didn't hesitate to tell her what just transpired. As soon as I arrived home, I dug through my birth kit for the amnicator to confirm my suspicion and notify my midwife.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

If asked, "What was the most challenging thing about going natural?," I would have a puzzled expression. My unmedicated home birth was easy and felt no challenge going natural. My contractions were not that difficult until I reached transition, so the intense portion (transition and pushing phase) was honestly not more than 30-45 minutes. I do think my use of a birthing pool helps me relax and decrease the risk of tearing. I also think red raspberry tea consumption does help contractions be more effective.

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

Visualize contractions descending my baby. Embracing contractions versus cringe.

What surprised you about your birth?

One thing that surprised during this birth was how the frequency and duration of my contractions appeared to suddenly decrease after I hung up my cellphone asking my midwife to drive over. However, it didn't stall the labor progression much as the baby was born only an hour and 15 minutes after she arrived.

Try a birthing pool! It takes the edge off contractions and helps me relax. Though some moms use it for just labor, I really like it for pushing too.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

Having my husband press/massage my gluteal muscles (hip area) during contractions is like gold to me. I realize every mom and situation is different, but that's what feels best to me during contractions of all three of my births thus far. During early mild contractions, I like rotating my pelvis on the birthing ball.

What position did you end up delivering in?

I was on my knees leaning over the birthing pool wall, so it was a hybrid of both "squatting" and "hands-and-knees" positions. I didn't strategically plan this precise position, I just did whatever felt "natural" in the moment. :)

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

Amazing! Overjoyed! Overwhelming love!

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

Try a birthing pool! It takes the edge off contractions and helps me relax. Though some moms use it for just labor, I really like it for pushing too. The warm water feels so comforting and pushing just seems easier in water (as compared to my first birth I did not despite that I was also squatting position).