Doing A Lot of Research on Natural Child Birth Helped Kayla During Her Hospital Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I got up around 4:30 that morning to use the restroom and noticed I was having some bleeding. The contractions started around an hour later.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

Managing the pain of contractions was actually fairly easy for me but the pain that came with pushing was on a whole other level. I actually yelled at my midwife :/

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

I did a lot of research on natural child birth as well as talking to my friends who had gone through it before me.

What surprised you about your birth?

I was completely surprised that I could actually make it through without any types of pain meds. When people heard that I planned on going natural I was told how crazy I was and that I would never be able to do it. Everyone was certain I would cave and get an epidural.

Don't let others make you believe you can't do it. Set your mind to it and just stick with it. It's going to hurt but your recovery is so much faster and easier versus an epidural.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

I actually kept repeating over and over that my body was made for this and that I can do this.

What position did you end up delivering in?

The hospital I delivered in only allowed the traditional position of on your back.

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

I was so exhausted but so in love.

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

Don't let others make you believe you can't do it. Set your mind to it and just stick with it. It's going to hurt but your recovery is so much faster and easier versus an epidural.