Rachel's Natural Hospital Birth in the Tub

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I woke up at 1 am the morning after Christmas, it was a full moon and we were experiencing a significant snowfall. Frequent night wakings were nothing new at this stage of pregnancy, but when I got out of bed, I realized I felt different. I was experiencing menstrual like cramps and my first contraction followed shortly after. I woke up my husband and told him, "today is the day".
Contractions became very close together in a short period of time. I called my midwife and told her she should start heading in due to the snowstorm and feeling like this might be a quick labor. After taking about 30 minutes to drive the 9 miles to our hospital, we checked in around 2:30 am. My midwife checked me and I was already dilated to an 8! I asked the nurse to please start filling up the tub as I was determined to have this baby in the water. The tub was filled about 20 minutes later, and after a few more contractions I felt the urge to bear down. 2 pushes later at 3:34 am, my husband announced it was a baby boy (we had waited to find out gender)!

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

This was my third pregnancy, third medication free ("natural") birth, and second water birth. The most challenging thing for me was having the knowledge of how intense the transition stage was for me in my prior births. I had to really let go of the fear and try to set that aside.

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

I read Mindful Birthing and Hypnobirthing and practiced breathing techniques daily. I read positive birth stories and repeated positive birth affirmations throughout the third trimester.

What surprised you about your birth?

The most surprising thing about this birth for me was how fast my almost 10 pound baby entered the world. He came out in 2 pushes over the course of just minutes. Additionally, everyone was also astonished that I had been carrying such a big baby as I had been measuring a couple weeks smaller.

Focusing on my breath, "leaning into" the contractions, relaxation, and birth affirmations really helped me.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

Focusing on my breath, "leaning into" the contractions, relaxation, and birth affirmations.

What position did you end up delivering in?

I delivered in the water; I started in a squatting position, but was uncomfortable and changed into semi reclining/seated position.

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

I felt instant relief and a flood of love when I first held my baby. It was such an awesome surprise to find out the gender.

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

The decision to go natural can feel like you are engaging in the "mommy wars" to other mothers that have birthed choosing pain medication or have had cesareans. I liken it to a marathon. Not everyone wants to run a marathon. For those that do, it doesn't make them "better people", it's just a preference, and we are all entitled to that.
Going with the marathon comparison, you would never just go out and run a marathon without training. The decision to go natural takes preparation as well. I advise friends to watch The Business of Being born, read literature on natural birth, and even attend a class to teach skills like breathing and natural pain relief techniques.