Walking Every Day, Reading Positive Natural Birth Stories And Watching Natural Birth Videos Helped Nicole Achieve Her First Natural Home Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

After my water broke and my contractions
Were 5 minutes apart lasting 1 minute each
My midwife said she would come over and I
Knew I was in labor.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

My body was not contracting without me
Moving around. It took me 30 hours to get from
0 to 10 and it was very difficult to rest because I
Needed to keep moving. Also every time I went
In the birth tub to relax, I would go 15 to 20 minutes without a contraction but it felt so good to rest and relax.

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

The most helpful thing to prepare to go all-natural was walking every day and reading positive natural birth stories and watching natural birth videos.

What surprised you about your birth?

How long the whole process took for me - 30 hrs to dilate and 6 hours of pushing.

I took the Mama Natural Birth Course and loved hearing all of the moms and dad's real life experiences as well as the part where the focus was on the dads to know more about what my husband may be feeling or thinking before he feels or thinks it!

What pain relief strategies worked best?

Shower and tub worked best and breathe control helped as well.

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

There are no words to describe the overwhelming joy you feel holding the tiny human you grew for the past 9 months for the first time. It is truly a magical experience.

What did you name your baby, and why?

Eden Victoria - we wanted something natural sounding but not super crunchy and a name that was beautiful and unique without being "Weird" and Victoria is a family name.

How did the Mama Natural Birth Class help you in your childbirth?

I read the Mama Natural book every week to keep up with what was happening with me and my baby. I took the Mama Natural Birth Course and loved hearing all of the moms and dads real life experiences as well as the part where the focus was on the dads to know more about what my husband may be feeling or thinking before he feels or thinks it!