Yoga and Red Raspberry Leaf Tea Helped Kathryn During Her Home Water Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

6:03 pm. Tried to walk from the kitchen to the living room to lay down and had to get on my hands and knees before I made it to the couch.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

All 3 of my babies were late by due date calculations. Just waiting for them to arrive was challenging.

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

Yoga and red raspberry leaf tea. Daily!! This was my third birth and the quickest. This was also the most active pregnancy I had because I have a three and one-year-old so we were always on the move. If they were moving, we all got a good afternoon nap!

What surprised you about your birth?

I got in the birth tub at 12:30ish am and she came out at 1:04. It was a quick transition to delivery.

Take care of yourself. Be active, eat a nutritious diet, eat dates, drink raspberry leaf tea. 9 months of investment into your body reaps the amazing return of a good, natural birthing experience and a speedy recovery process.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

Movement. Moving as a contraction started allowed me to mentally deal with the pain before it peaked.

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

Baby was low- very low- for about 3 weeks before birth. It was wonderful to feel her head on my chest rather than in between my hips!!

What did you name your baby, and why?

Jada Leigh
Grace

My dad had a sister who passed away at a young age- Ramona. My trend is J names. Jada and Ramona share the same meaning- wise. My paternal grandfather also passed away suddenly about 15 years ago. His middle name was Lee, so Leigh in the feminine form. And Grace means unmerited favor.

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

Take care of yourself. Be active, eat a nutritious diet, eat dates, drink raspberry leaf tea. 9 months of investment into your body reaps the amazing return of a good, natural birthing experience and a speedy recovery process.