Watching The Mama Natural Videos Helped Samantha During Her Birth Center Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

My water broke 17 hours before my contractions started. I went to see my midwife about 12 hours after and they gave me a recipe for a "cocktail" that would jump-start my contractions and it really worked! I was in active labor 2 hours after drinking it.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

I was not prepared for how painful the contractions would be, especially when there were two or three peaks per contraction.

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

Watching the Mama Natural videos was the only thing I did to prepare. I feel like the videos covered everything I needed!

What surprised you about your birth?

I was planning a water birth and really had my heart set on it. I was 7 cm when I arrived at the birth center and almost immediately got in the tub thinking it would go quickly. After 3 hours in the tub I was checked and had only dilated to 8 cm. I ended up delivering on the bed on my back like I was determined I wouldn't do.

So much relief and honestly disbelief that she was finally in my arms!

What pain relief strategies worked best?

Breathing and moaning through the contractions brought me the most pain relief.

What position did you end up delivering in?

I ended up delivering on my back. My husband was sitting behind me and he would pull my legs back and lift my tailbone off the bed with each contraction.

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

So much relief and honestly disbelief that she was finally in my arms!

How did the Mama Natural Birth Class help you in your childbirth?

There were so many things about pregnancy, labor and birth that I had no idea about. I made the decision to hire a doula and to encapsulate my placenta because of the Mama Natural Birth Class, both of which I'm so glad I did!