Hiring a Doula Helped Bekah During Her Birth Center Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I started having sporadic contractions Saturday evening, but I didn't think much of it because I had had false labor previously. But Sunday morning I started having some bloody show and then my water broke. We ended up spending most of the day trying to get actual labor going. Sunday night my midwife finally had me take castor oil because she was concerned that labor still wasn't getting going even though my water had broken. Around midnight the castor oil started taking effect and the contractions started to get more regular and closer together.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

By the time labor actually started, I was exhausted from having ineffective contractions all day and having to work to try to get labor started. But without an epidural, there is really no way to rest at all during labor, so it was challenging trying to muster up the energy to make it through.

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

We hired a doula for our birth. It was extremely helpful to meet with her beforehand and she helped us think through and practice the types of positions and laboring techniques we wanted to use. It also helped me look forward to the birth in a more calm and peaceful way just knowing that our doula would be there to support us.

What surprised you about your birth?

I was shocked that once labor started, I was only in active labor for three hours! With my first baby it was 10 or 12 hours! I had heard that second labors sometimes go faster, but I didn't expect it to be that fast!

There are no words to describe the moment I pulled that baby up onto my chest. I am getting all teary just thinking about it. After waiting so long to meet him and all the pain I had gone through to get him here, holding him felt like a little bit of heaven!

What pain relief strategies worked best?

Having my husband or doula press on my hips to relieve some of the pressure was helpful. But honestly, this baby came down so hard and fast there wasn't much relief to be had!

What position did you end up delivering in?

I delivered lying on my side. I was originally going for a hands and knees position, but I started to get too tired so my midwife had me switch.

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

There are no words to describe the moment I pulled that baby up onto my chest. I am getting all teary just thinking about it. After waiting so long to meet him and all the pain I had gone through to get him here, holding him felt like a little bit of heaven!

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

Seriously consider hiring a doula! Having our doula there made such an incredible difference not only in the way my second birth went but also in the way I felt about it. She helped us to prepare for the birth beforehand and was such a calming and soothing presence during the birth itself. Hiring her was one of the best decisions I ever made!