Watching Natural Birth Videos And Lots of Research Helped Katrina During Her Hospital Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I realized I was in labor once my contractions began to get stronger and were uncomfortable oppose to just a feeling of tightness in my belly. I used one of my pregnancy apps to track how far apart my contractions were until my mom, who was coming over to pick up my older two as she does every weekend, arrived and took over.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

The most challenging thing about going natural was having to comply with some of the hospital policies. Every 30 minutes, I had to lie on my back with the fetal monitor and contraction monitor. This was the MOST uncomfortable position for me to power through my contractions since I was experiencing back labor. I needed my significant other to apply acupressure to the lower part of my back which was easier to do when I leaned forward on my knees or on the birthing ball.

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

The most helpful thing I did to prepare for childbirth was doing a lot of research. I watched natural birth videos, read other women’s natural birth stories, looked up ways to cope with pains of labor, contractions and delivery, and how my significant other and I can stay calm and focus especially since he’s a first-time father.

What surprised you about your birth?

I was surprised by how quickly my delivery occurred. I arrived at the hospital 5 cm dilated at around 5 PM and contracting every 3-4 minutes. At around 9:10 PM, the doctor broke my water which progressed everything tremendously. In a matter of minutes, I went from being 7 cm to 8 and 9 to being ready for my baby to come out. By 9:16 PM, my baby was pushed out in two contractions.

If it is something you want to do, go for it. Don’t let the nay sayers discourage you but also, prepare yourself as much as you can.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

For the first few hours, I blew raspberries in a bent down position. As the pain worsen, my significant other applied pressure to the lower part of my back to counteract the pain from the contractions as well alleviate the pain from back labor. Also, changing positions helped for me.

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

It felt relieving! After months of her developing and growing in my belly, the hours of labor I endured and the accomplishment of completing my natural birth journey, it was amazing. My first two births I had vaginally but I had an epidural so for me to stick with my plans and not cave in felt empowering. I definitely cried tears of joy as soon as I held her.

What did you name your baby, and why?

I named my baby Aaliyah Marie. My first-born daughter’s name is Alana and I wanted to follow suit with another “A” name. We gave her the middle name Marie because that is my middle name and late paternal grandmother’s middle name.

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

If it is something you want to do, go for it. Don’t let the nay sayers discourage you but also, prepare yourself as much as you can. With my first-born child, I underestimated how intense labor would be and was not mentally prepared which led to me having an epidural. Now with my third child, I made sure to make all the proper preparations for me and my SO this time around.