Watching Videos From Mama Natural Birthing Class Helped Kira During Her Hospital Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

Around 2am on Saturday morning, October 1st. I kept on having to get up to go to the bathroom even though I didn't really have to pee and I started to feel more pressure and was having contractions. At that point I woke up my boyfriend and I told him that I thought I was having contractions. An hour later my contractions were only 3 to 5 minutes apart and we drove to the hospital.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

The most challenging thing for me was the contractions. I had pain in my lower back and I took Fentanyl. By the time I started pushing it had worn off though.

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

Watching the videos in your birthing class helped me so much, along with reading the suggested articles. I read a few pregnancy books and tried to eat healthier foods and do light exercise.

What surprised you about your birth?

I was surprised by the short amount of time that my labor took. It was only 6 and a half hours long and I only pushed for 19 minutes afterwards. And while this felt like forever when I was in labor I know that most births, especially the first ones, normally are several hours longer.

The different exercises to help position the baby helped when I would get uncomfortable in my last trimester. It helped me be more informed about different aspects of pregnancy and labor, as well as taking care postpartum. There are so many different things that happen during pregnancy that seem strange but make lots of sense when it's explained. I loved getting advice on nutrition during pregnancy and being able to watch the beautiful birthing videos each week.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

I did different breathing techniques. My boyfriend and mom were amazing to help take my mind off of the pain of the contractions.

What position did you end up delivering in?

I ended up delivering while on my back with my legs pulled up to my chest.

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

It felt amazing and so worth the pain that I felt during my labor. I couldn't believe that I had been carrying that precious baby on me the whole pregnancy, he was just so adorable and wonderful to me.

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

The different exercises to help position the baby helped when I would get uncomfortable in my last trimester. It helped me be more informed about different aspects of pregnancy and labor, as well as taking care postpartum. There are so many different things that happen during pregnancy that seem strange but make lots of sense when it's explained. I loved getting advice on nutrition during pregnancy and being able to watch the beautiful birthing videos each week.