Walking, Running, Weight Lifting and Yoga Helped Skylar During Her Birth Center Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I was 41 weeks and 4 days on a Monday with a huge blizzard predicted for Thursday. My midwife stripped my membrane at 11 am and my 1 pm I knew I was in true labor. I didn't say anything until 3 pm and by 5 pm I was willing to admit baby was on his way.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

The wait this time. I have had two natural births before this one but this was my first post term baby. I was allowed to go 42 weeks and 1 day and felt very strongly about letting labor come naturally the wait was painful and discouraging. I ended up consenting to a membrane stril at 41 weeks 4 days because a blizzard was predicted that weekend and my birth center was 20 mins away along Amish roads.

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

I exercised regularly this time around. Walking, running, weight lifting, yoga, anything I could think of in addition to chasing my two kids around. I also took the time to practice breathing and relaxation techniques and choose a special song list to help trigger relaxation.

What surprised you about your birth?

This term around my contractions were very manageable. I expected really intense contractions because this was my third birth.

The best advice I got was that labor isn't pain. Pain means something is wrong. Labor means something great is about to happen

What pain relief strategies worked best?

I spend time on hands and knees rocking on my excurise and walking. Once I arrived at the birth center I was in the hot tub.

What position did you end up delivering in?

Laying on my left side, floating the the water. We tired delivering on all fours and squaring but the baby was stuck. My midwife suggested I roll to my side to help his maneuver down. He came out in 3 pushes.

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

It was the best feeling. No matter how many kids you have seeing this new person is always amazing. I wanted to see whose nose he had and whether he got my husbands eyes. The most amazing part was how big help was (9 lbs 11 oz) and how much hair he had.

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

Get a support team and know you can do it. Learn how you deal with pain or discomfort and adapt that for labor. Next time you stub your toes pay attention to how you react. Turns out I close my eyes, so I did that during constructions. The best advice I got was that labor isn't pain. Pain means something is wrong. Labor means something great is about to happen