My Natural Birth Story Part 1 of 4

posted in: Blog, Parenting | 0

bellycastWhen I first found out I was pregnant, I was so excited. I had hoped for that day for about three years as my husband and I tried to conceive.

The only thing that scared me was the thought of my baby having to come out. I decided right away that I wanted to do an all natural childbirth delivery. If women have been doing for centuries without the help of modern medicine, then so could I, right? Thankfully, the midwife I chose directed me to a doula who helped me to prepare for that special day.

When the day arrived, I was so ready to go. I was about three days over my due date. It’s not unusual to go past your due date; in fact, most first time pregnancies are about a week “late” if they are allowed to induce naturally. Still, I had so many people tell me that I would deliver early, that I didn’t expect to go so far over.

Early Labor

I started feeling contractions the day before I delivered. I felt a little pressure in my uterus, but it wasn’t really painful. It was a little uncomfortable, but fully manageable. I informed my doula that I was contracting, but told her I didn’t think I would deliver until the next day. She said to go get some rest, because I had a lot of work ahead of me. Boy was she right!

I woke the next morning at about 5:30 a.m., which is highly unusual for me. Lying down in the bed was no longer comfortable, so I got up and ate, waiting for a more reasonable hour before disturbing anyone.

By 6:00 a.m. my husband was up. We made some preparations and then called the doula around 7 a.m. to tell her that it was time to get started. At around 8 a.m., my doula arrived, and we got things underway.

We walked up and down my street a few times. I can only imagine what the passing cars thought as I walked around with my hair a mess in my giant sleep shirt and sweat pants. I also bounced and rolled on the birthing ball and ate some more food to help my labor along.

I was absolutely dumbfounded by the wave of emotions that came over me during that time.

I remember sitting on the ball crying and laughing at the same time. My husband was so confused as to what he should do for me. I wasn’t unhappy in any way, just overcome, which is pretty normal from what I hear.

I have decided to split my story into four parts to keep the post from becoming too long. You can read my next post — My Natural Childbirth Story Part 2 of 4 — Active Labor!

Or read the book! My Natural Birth Story: The Birthing Book I Wish I’d Read is a tell all of Leya’s preparation for and experience giving birth naturally.

My Natural Birth Story by Angel Leya

Leave a Reply