Jacqueline's Unassisted Home Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I woke up at 2:00am with mild menstrual type cramping and brushed it off as just having a full bladder. I was 39 weeks that morning so I thought I had at least another week before baby would arrive. I noticed some bloody tinge when after using the restroom so I had a feeling it was time. My cramps came and wen at a steady pace and increased in intensity over the next hour and a half. Things were moving right along so this was the real deal.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

My labor was very quick so it caught me off guard. I did not expect to transition so quickly! We had just called the Midwife to let her know I was ready for her to come and my husband had just unpacked the pool when I had a very intense contraction and started pushing on my bedroom floor. Not being able to stop the urge to push was a little terrifying to me! It was so powerful and giving up control and letting my body do its thing was very challenging!

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

I read all of Ina May Gaskin's books and found so much encouragement those the birth stories.It gave me confidence that I could birth my baby. I walked daily to keep myself strong and took a lot of naps.

What surprised you about your birth?

I am surprised by how fast it was! I am also surprised by how quickly I recovered after giving birth naturally, I felt amazing immediately after my son was born which was opposite of what I experienced with my daughter's medicated hospital birth.

Trust yourself and your body. Don't doubt your strength, you were made for this! I would choose a natural birth again. It was exhilarating!

What pain relief strategies worked best?

I walked around a lot and tried Hypnobirthing techniques. Keeping calm allowed me to take the contractions as they came and acclimate myself to the situation.

What position did you end up delivering in?

I ended up delivering on my hands and knees while crawling towards my bathroom.

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

It was as if all the pain from previous Postpartum Depression and three previous miscarriages was healed instantly. I needed to experience the birth of my rainbow baby completely. It was painful and pure joy all at once.

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

Trust yourself and your body. Don't doubt your strength, you were made for this! I would choose a natural birth again. It was exhilarating!