Warm Bath Tub And The "mmmmmm" Sound Helped Ashley Achieve Her Home Water Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

Not until about 4 hours before he was born!

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

For me, it was tapping into the mind over matter aspect of it and finding my calm place. I knew I was safe and my baby was coming but trying to focus on how to manage the pain was really hard because I kept anticipating the next contraction instead of fully letting go and relaxing in between them. As soon as I figured that part out it was much better!

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

I did a lot of praying, spinning babies exercises, sat on a yoga ball as much as possible and covered my bedroom wall with birth affirmations.

What surprised you about your birth?

Honestly, without sounding too boastful, the biggest surprise about my birth was how damn strong I could be! I think I said about a dozen times after I had my baby " I can't believe I did that...did I really push a baby out in our bathtub?!" Even just telling my birth story feels like I telling someone else's because I still can't believe I did it!

Do not be afraid of the pain! We are made to have babies and manage it and it's an incredible feeling when you have a healthy baby and you can say "I did it!"

What pain relief strategies worked best?

Being in the warm bath tub and blasting the jets every contraction, counter pressure, rocking on hands and knees and keeping my mouth closed and making the "mmmmmm" sound helped a lot.

What position did you end up delivering in?

Hands and knees.

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

Holding my baby for the first time was absolutely incredible! I felt such a rush of love and accomplishment and seeing my husband look at me and our baby with amazement in his eyes was an awesome feeling!

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

Do not be afraid of the pain! We are made to have babies and manage it and it's an incredible feeling when you have a healthy baby and you can say "I did it!"