Drinking Red Raspberry Leaf Tea, Dates And Hiring A Doula Helped Sarah During Her Hospital Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

Friday, May 18th I woke up in the middle of the night with early labor contractions, but they stalled out by 11 am and I was so upset. Then on the 19th around 1 am I woke up and was have contractions that felt a lot stronger and more difficult to get through than the day prior and I knew it was the real thing. It did stall a little from 6 am to 10 am before picking up again, but I was able to get sleep at that time.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

I think just how long it all took. At home, I was worried I wasn’t going to be able to do it, but once I was at the hospital and I started breathing well and things were moving along, I got a whole new confidence in myself.

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

I didn’t fear the birth process! I just stayed super confident and positive that it would go well and that I would do it all natural. I didn’t have fear that I would tear. I just expected to and if I didn’t, yay! I didn’t fear that it would hurt. I just kept reminding myself that it probably will, but I can handle it! I drank Red Raspberry Leaf Tea religiously and upped the dose closer to Labor Day. I also ate my 6 dates a day and we hired a doula! Best help. Best decision.

What surprised you about your birth?

How “easy” it was for being a first-time mom. Labored at home in active labor for 5 hours or so and then 7 at the hospital with just an hour of pushing. I expected it to be 24 hours with 4 hours of pushing and a huge tear, cause that was just what I had heard about first births. But, I didn’t tear and time seemed to move so fast! I also had an amazing natural minded midwife that happened to be the one on call to deliver instead of my OB and I wouldn’t have chosen it any other way!

I didn’t fear that it would hurt. I just kept reminding myself that it probably will, but I can handle it!

What pain relief strategies worked best?

The shower! Being in the hot water really helped me cope. I also stayed super quiet during the contractions and breathed really slow. It seemed to take me away from what was going on and I just rode the contractions out that way. My doula and husband also just rubbing my arms and back in a soothing way also really helped.

What position did you end up delivering in?

I started out pushing on my side and then moved to my back and had a mirror to see his head coming out.

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

So wild! So many emotions. I didn’t know whether to cry or laugh! It was such a relief to finally have him in my arms, especially since he came on 41+1.

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

The exercises I could do to get baby in a good position! Also, watching all of the birth videos. Being informed on all the consequences of interventions also really helped me in my decisions and making my birth plan.