Keeping Active Helped Erin During Her Birth Center Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I was induced. He was measuring very large (his head measuring between the 95th and 98th percentile, and at 37 weeks they estimated him to weigh 8 lbs already, both my husband's family and my family often have large babies, so to reduce chances of either of us getting hurt, we felt it safest getting induced at 40 weeks).

It really hit that I was in labor about 5 hours before he was born, when contractions started getting stronger and closer together.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

Between the back labor (he was sunny side up), and the constant coupling contractions, I couldn't rest. As time went on, the coupling contractions became worse... lasting over a minute each with a 15 second break if I was lucky.

My body didn't seem to want to cooperate. Despite my water being broken and the contractions, I wasn't dilating. I seemed to be stuck at 3 to 4 cm.

My hubby saw how miserable I was and we hoped that maybe being able to relax would help things progress, so he called for an epidural. Unfortunately the guy was just called into a surgery and it would be at least an hour wait. I got into the tub and was told to get out about 15 minutes before they thought he would be there. Another hour passed and he still wasn't there.

By the time he got there and put the epidural in, it was too late. Before he left the room, I was screaming that I needed to push and started pushing. Everyone was yelling for a doctor to get into the room, and one showed up just in time to hear my husband say "I see his head", and the doctor caught him

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

I kept very active chasing after my 2 year old ;)

What surprised you about your birth?

The fact that I did it. I didn't think I would survive without meds, but the epidural never had time to kick in.... and I lived! The delivery wasn't painful! I thought that would be the worst part, but the labor was the worst part, relief was instant!

You can do it! Recovery was quicker and easier without the epidural. The pain is temporary .

What pain relief strategies worked best?

The bathtub full of warm water

What position did you end up delivering in?

On my back

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

Absolutely amazing! I didn't get to experience it with my first. Best feeling ever

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

You can do it! Recovery was quicker and easier without the epidural. The pain is temporary .