Years Of Breathing Control In Yoga Helped Allison Achieve Birth Center Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I was induced- which was hard to come to terms with. My fluid was really low even though I was only 40 weeks +2. We got to the hospital and the started cydotex. That was all I needed. A couple hours later I was having consistent contractions but didn’t want to believe it because I knew induced labors can take a very long time to really get going. I was walking the halls and eventually had to stop when a contraction came on. I went back to the room, woke my husband up and told him I thought it was happening for real!

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

When they told me I was 4 centimeters I asked for an epidural. My support just said “let’s wait for a few and see what happens” of course I agreed. Also, the pain of delivery is still seared in my mind. My baby wasn’t huge but not small either (8lbs 8oz). His elbow got a little stuck and I tore at that point.

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

Years of breath control in yoga. That was certainly helpful.
Knowing that no matter what I was in really good hands. I fully trusted my doula, husband, midwife and the nurses.

What surprised you about your birth?

How quick it went! I went from 4 cm to baby in 5 hours. Still thankful for that!

Everything they say is true. There are no words. Just thinking about those first moments brings me to tears. It was beautiful but I was in a little bit of shock.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

Breathing. I also would breath out and say "oooppoeeennnnnn". That allowed me to concentrate on the purpose of the pain.

What position did you end up delivering in?

On my back. This surprised me. I pictured myself on all 4’s. I could barely handle moving and really needed all my strength to push so on my back it was. My husband even held my head up as I bent it down to push.

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

Everything they say is true. There are no words. Just thinking about those first moments brings me to tears. It was beautiful but I was in a little bit of shock. Getting him out was an overwhelming experience to say the least.

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

Prepare but know that it all comes from your primitive brain.
Have good support around you. Voice what you need.
And go with it. It’s going to be really hard. You will get through it though!