Walking, Bouncing On The Ball, Swaying And Focus Breathing Helped Alyssa During Her Hospital Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I had been having contractions on and off for several weeks but I knew I was truly in labor on the night contractions started and did not stop and lasted all through the night.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

Most women say that transition was the hardest part of their natural labor, so that's what I was expecting. However, I found that pushing without pain relief was extremely difficult for me. I was in a lot of pain trying to push my daughter out so it was hard to push effectively. She did have a nuchal hand so that could be the reason why.

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

I stayed very active and ate really clean and I believe this helped me stay on track with pregnancy weight gain. I had regular chiropractic adjustments to ensure baby was in optimal position. In my previous labor with my son, he got stuck in the birthing canal which made for a really long labor that ended in vacuum assistance. I wanted to avoid this and the adjustments ensured that my pelvis was aligned and she was perfectly positioned and I went into labor naturally on my own, which I did not with my son. Most importantly, I was very intentional in praying and asking God for the labor I wished for.

What surprised you about your birth?

I was so impressed with how my body knew exactly what to do without any medical interventions. From beginning to end my body just did what it was supposed to and all I had to do was let it happen.

Educate yourself on birth and your body and just believe in yourself.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

Walking, bouncing on the ball, swaying my hips and focusing on my breathing.

What position did you end up delivering in?

I pushed for an hour and a half and most of the time was spent on all fours which I found to be what my body wanted. However, my pushing was not very effective in this position so my midwife requested I lay on my back and once I did my daughter was born in less than five minutes.

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

Surreal. I could not believe that I had given birth completely natural! I was in awe of her and my strength! Meeting your baby for the first time after nine long months is a feeling you can not put into words!

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

Educate yourself on birth and your body and just believe in yourself. Have a great support system standing behind you, who know what you want, and who also believe in you. Have a game plan for how you want to handle labor in the tough moments.