Listening To Her Gut and Didn't Just Settle Helped Grace Achieve a Natural Hospital Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I had weeks of prodromal labor, but 39 weeks and 3 days my water broke, waking me up at 4 am.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

I had a natural hospital birth with my first that consisted of 12 hours of labor, 2 hours of pushing, and a 9lb 10oz baby with shoulder dystocia (her shoulder got stuck after her head came out). Although everything turned out great, the whole experience traumatized me and I was terrified of pushing out another large baby.

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

I listened to my gut and didn't just settle. I switched from doctor to midwife, then back to the same doctor because I didn't feel right about the midwife. That doctor then suggested a try the new midwife program so at 37 weeks I met a wonderful midwife who delivered my baby 2 weeks later. Had I settled for a normal hospital birth with whoever was on-call I would have ended up with a medicated birth because this midwife really helped me get through the fear of what I remembered from my first birth and have a successful natural delivery.

What surprised you about your birth?

I was 6-7 cm when I got to the hospital and I was so disappointed because with my first I was 6 cm and spent 10 more hours in labor. I was shocked when I was ready to push an hour later and pushing only lasted 4 contractions!

Make sure you have your mind set on going natural before you go into labor and you will be able to do it. If you still haven't made up your mind about how you want to deliver, when the pain comes panic will come with it and it will be easier to ask for an epidural.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

It helps me to find a focal point when a contraction comes and count it out while breathing...

What position did you end up delivering in?

On my back, the midwife was checking how dilated I was and she was already coming down.

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

Wonderful. This time since there were no complications or worries I got to hold her immediately and wait for the cord to stop pulsating. There aren't words to describe that feeling- all the pain is gone and there is only joy.

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

Make sure you have your mind set on going natural before you go into labor and you will be able to do it. If you still haven't made up your mind about how you want to deliver, when the pain comes panic will come with it and it will be easier to ask for an epidural.