Watching And Reading Other Woman's Birth Stories Helped Chelsea During Her Natural Hospital Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

Having it be my second birth I knew immediately but it was when I was in denial as my contractions were getting up to 10 min apart and my husband was in a panic to leave for the hospital immediately

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

That even though it's painful you can't fight it and remind yourself how beautiful it really is and it's going to hurt but all of the pain no matter how intense shows how strong you are and your closer to seeing your child, life that your body has created. We are warriors.

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

Watching and reading other woman's birth stories seeing it done successfully showed me how possible it was to have a beautiful experience no matter what and that I COULD do it.

What surprised you about your birth?

I was banking on it being as easy as my first birth and didn't prepare for how intense back labor was and how to cope with it, but at the same time how my body and mind just remembered what to do

I remember thinking I can't believe she's actually really here this beautiful baby girl. The world goes silent and it's just you two and the loved ones around you, and the amazement of what my body was capable of.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

Breathing and moving through my contractions as well as laughing it was a great way to momentarily forget about the pain and then as things progressed, giving in to my animalistic side and let those warrior sounds growl out of my mouth.

What position did you end up delivering in?

I ended up delivering on my back this time with my first child I delivered on my side but with all the back pain I had it felt comfortable just lay on my back.

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

I remember thinking I can't believe she's actually really here this beautiful baby girl. The world goes silent and it's just you two and the loved ones around you, and the amazement of what my body was capable of.

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

You are a warrior and you CAN do it! your body will amaze you with what you are capable of doing and it's not as scary as you think it's going to be. I always get terrified during the beginning months of my pregnancy but then my mind just becomes at ease with the inevitable, and remembering after each contraction the pain goes away and you have a moment to laugh with your loved ones and let it come peacefully