Birth Stories

Reading and Mental Preparation Helped Stephanie Achieve Her Natural Hospital Birth

  • When did you realize you were really in labor?

    Right after my church group prayed for a healthy deliver I felt something change and that was about 9pm. I knew it was coming! About 3:30am I woke up and knew it was it.

  • What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

    I can't compare to a non natural birth! But back labor hurts and you have to be brave! I had to have to have courage and trust in my body and the natural process of labor. I was committed to embrace the pain and discomfort and to believe that this was possible. But I won't lie it wasn't a trip to Disney!

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

    Read Supernatural Childbirth and listen to Childbirth in the Glory daily. Read other books on the subject and focus daily on what was coming in a positive way. I prayed a lot for a healthy and safe delivery and had my friends praying as well.

  • What surprised you about your birth?

    That labor was 4.5 hours and that seemed fast to me! The back labor was so different from my first birth and so that took me by surprise. I was surprised again at how hard it was and yet how rewarding it is when the baby comes out healthy!

  • You have to read about it and mentally prep yourself. Know why you want to go natural. You have to have a why!
  • What pain relief strategies worked best?

    Rubbing my back constantly and being in all fours.

  • What position did you end up delivering in?

    On my back. Which didn't happen until the last 30 mins when I started pushing.

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

    Great relief that he was out and breathing and I was fine too! It felt like I just finished a marathon I had been training for! I felt so exhausted but so very accomplished and I had a new son. It was pretty amazing.

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

    You have to read about it and mentally prep yourself. Know why you want to go natural. You have to have a why! Read read and surround yourself with like minded people. Be confident in your body's ability to deliver. Absolutely get adjusted by chiropractor to make sure body is in alignment for birth. Be prepared to go on naturally but if things don't go as planned just go with the flow. There is a reason for everything. Best advice choose the best healthcare provider possible. Make sure you trust them and know their beliefs and if they will support you or not. Make sure they are prepared to handle any emergency if arises. If you can't trust them, you may stress in labor and be fearful. You cannot have fear in labor. Fear can shut you down! Be confident and do all that you can prior to build confidence!

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