Natural Birth: Believe You Can Do It

Posted on May 5, 2013 By Cassie W. Uncategorized

I’ve always considered women who were able to have a medication-free, natural birth as some sort of superheroes. Like they’re all part of this super exclusive club of moms-who-are-doing-it-right.

As much as I wanted to be part of that club, deep down, I truly didn’t think I had it in me.

Labor and delivery with my first baby was difficult; I had to be induced after my water had broken and contractions hadn’t started almost a day later. I was hooked up to machines and given medication to start contractions. Later I was given more medication to slow them down, then more later to start them again. I blacked out.

I had an epidural that I didn’t want in the first place, and it ended up being much too strong. After 18 hours, I finally gave birth to a healthy, beautiful baby girl. But I was slightly disappointed in myself for not having had the birth I really wanted.

Now, I’m not super crunchy. I’m all for doctors and hospitals and epidurals if that is what mama wants and feels comfortable with. I thought I’d be fine with all that, but as it turns out, I wasn’t.

During my second pregnancy, I tried to gear myself up for a natural, calm, medication free birth. It helped that this time, I had more options because of where I live. I told myself and my husband that I did not want to be induced. I did not want an epidural (at least not a full one). I did not want to give birth lying on my back.

I researched and read hundreds of birth stories. I educated myself. I found a birthing center that was much less hospital-like than where I gave birth the first time and I found a midwife who supported and encouraged me to have the birth experience I really wanted. I also planned on having a water birth.

Still, deep down, I pictured myself post-birth, having to deal with the fact that I couldn’t handle it and broke down to be poked and prodded and medicated.

When the time came to give birth, I was excited. I was excited to meet my baby, of course, but I was also excited to try for the birth experience I wanted. Things were going well and looking positive and honestly, I was thrilled with the thought of being in labor.

I was crushed when I learned the baby was in the wrong position and couldn’t get into the birth canal. For a few minutes there, while contractions were coming strong and I was in pain, I felt totally defeated.

I can’t help but think that in another situation— like in my first birth— this would have stopped me from having my baby the way I wanted. But with the support of my husband and midwife, we were able to make the baby turn and continue with “the plan.”

When the pain was at its worst, I considered asking for an epidural. But I quickly pushed the thought out of my head and reminded myself of how far I’d already come.

At 3:31 in the morning, after a really long day, eight hours of labor and having gone more than 20 hours without sleep, I gave birth to a beautiful baby boy. Moments later, I looked my husband in the eye and said, “I did it!”

My un-medicated birth put me in control. It gave me faith in my body. It empowered me to feel strong and capable.

I realize now that there is no secret super-mom club. I did it. And if you want and the situation allows, you can do it too.

Added by Cassie W. on May 5, 2013.
Saved under Uncategorized
Tags: birth experience, birth story, hospital birth, midwife, natural birth, Natural Birth: Believe You Can Do It, unmedicated birth

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