Mama Natural Website And Reading Ina May’s Work And Watching Her Documentary Helped Amanda During Her Hospital Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I was induced. I had pre-cervical dilation and almost had him two months before. I was hospitalized and they stopped labor. I was on bed-rest for the last part of pregnancy and they induced me at 41 weeks, he was big and had already gone to the bathroom in the fluid.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

Two things. Moving him beyond the pelvic bone because he was stuck. (The toilet is an amazing tool when in labor.) Then after his head was out his chest got stuck. The midwife used her own torque to get him out.

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

The Mama Natural website and reading all of Ina May’s work and watching her documentary. My husband, Midwife, Doula and the beast (in a good way) of the L&D nurse who told me to get on the toilet and we were going to have this baby!!!!
Plus, the pure determination to go natural because I caved when I gaved birth the first time.

What surprised you about your birth?

My 11 pound baby!!!!

You can do it!!!! And when you do it know there’s nothing you can’t do. And really research. Mama Natural website is amazing and without researching placenta encapsulation, I would have never gone the natural route. Thank you Mama Natural!

What pain relief strategies worked best?

Water! I labored in the birthing tub that my Doula had provided. That was great during transition. I didn’t deliver in the tub because they needed to get his heart rate and didn’t have waterproof monitors.

What position did you end up delivering in?

Hands and knees.

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

Disbelief. I couldn’t believe he was here and I had made it without pain meds.

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

You can do it!!!! And when you do it know there’s nothing you can’t do. And really research. Mama Natural website is amazing and without researching placenta encapsulation, I would have never gone the natural route. Thank you Mama Natural!