Breathing Helped Christina Through Contractions During Her Hospital Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I had been timing my contractions for over two hours, they were irregular but never went away so I went to the hospital and they told me I was dilated to one which meant that my contractions weren't just Braxton Hicks but the real thing!

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

I was tired! I pushed for two and a half hours and I was just exhausted. I knew it was going to be tough, but I really had no idea how tough it was to get her out. I felt like giving up when I saw how little she moved with each push. My nurses really helped by encouraging me and getting back in the zone to keep pushing.

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

Breathing through the contractions. It's hard to imagine that you would forget how to breathe, but your body is going through so much pain at the time that you have to force yourself to focus through the pain and breathe. I had to keep saying out loud " this one will be over soon".

What surprised you about your birth?

My recovery was so easy! I was up and walking around one hour after I had her. Even when I came home, I was not afraid to climb our stairs in the house. I am very fortunate to say I had an easy pregnancy and easy recovery.

Breathing through the contractions. It's hard to imagine that you would forget how to breathe, but your body is going through so much pain at the time that you have to force yourself to focus through the pain and breathe. I had to keep saying out loud " this one will be over soon".

What pain relief strategies worked best?

When I was at home having contractions, I took hot showers and tried to stretch between them. During labor I received staydol which helped me sleep for two hours and took away my pain from contractions. After delivery the numbing spray the hospital gave me helped my private parts and heat pads helped me relieve my achey back.

What position did you end up delivering in?

I started to push on my back, then tried laying on my left side hoping that baby would turn into the correct position. I even tried pushing on all fours but it was too strenuous to push while holding up my body weight with an epidural that was weakening my legs. I eventually returned to my back and delivered with my legs in stirrups.

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

I was suprised at how warm and wobbly she was. When they placed her on my chest I didn't know if she was a boy or girl because I didn't look between her legs. ( we waited to find out the sex of the baby) I just wanted to comfort her and to be honest she felt like a stranger to me. I know people always say that it's love at first sight when they're born, but I had to build my relationship with her
It has taken two weeks to realize how much I adore her.

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

Remember that you are stronger than you think, and you can do this!