My Natural Birth Story Part 4 of 4 — Delivery at Last!

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Finally, the head was beginning to crown. It was good, because I felt as if I was getting nowhere with all my pushing. The end was in sight, and all I had to do was work a little longer and I would be able to meet my baby! To learn more about the story up to this point you can check out my previous posts: My Natural Childbirth Story Part 1 of 4, My Natural Childbirth Story Part 2 of 4 — Active Labor, and My Natural Childbirth Story Part 3 of 4 — Pushing.

When my baby did finally crown, I felt the “ring of fire” — that burning sensation at the opening as your baby’s big head stretches your skin so it can come out. The pain was certainly uncomfortable at that point and I was vocalizing pretty loudly, but I only had one thing on my mind – I had to get this baby out!

It was about 8 p.m. on the night of a blue moon, and with one final push my baby was delivered. There was instant relief. I was exhausted, but I wasn’t concerned with that. All I wanted was to hold my baby and learn the gender. We had chosen not to find out during our pregnancy, but again, the doctor seemed unconcerned.

After a minute or so, I could see past the doctor to see that I had a baby boy. I was so surprised, feeling throughout my pregnancy that the child was a girl, but I was so excited as well.

The doctor seemed to take her time, suctioning the amniotic fluid out of my baby’s nose and mouth – a process which is both unnecessary (because the baby can cough it out naturally) and painful for the child. Then she massaged the cord to get it to stop pulsating (also unnecessary) before having my husband cut it.

It seemed like forever, but finally my baby boy was placed on my abdomen and I got to spend that first precious hour with my little man, examining him, feeding him, and bonding. He was perfect! Those little eyes were wide open and so curious. It was heartbreaking when the nurse came in to collect him for bathing and whatever else they did in that nursery.

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I must say, as intense as all of it was at the time, it feels much like a dream now.

I sometimes have a hard time believing that I actually delivered the little boy who smiles at me every day now. I am proud of myself for seeing this through and I plan on having an all natural childbirth delivery again at some point in the future, though I hope to do it with a midwife in the comfort of my home.

I feel that how I handled my pregnancy as well as my refusal of pain medication during labor gave my little man the best start possible, which is exactly what I wanted for him.

Of course, a lot of preparation went into giving birth. I learned so much from my doula, who was my absolute lifeline through the whole process. If you want to learn more, I have detailed much of my experiences and preparations in my book Surviving My First Pregnancy: My Journey To A Natural Labor and Delivery.

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

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