My first birth was a disaster at another hospital, I didn’t know much. I felt nothing due to a heavy epidural. When my son was born I was very detached. My second child was born at a super baby friendly hospital with a super baby friendly OB and her birth was perfect. I did have an epidural but it was “light” . I felt a lot and after I had her I was able to walk around.
This boy, my 3rd was my first surprise unmedicated birth. He came in 4 hours, they didn’t believe I was in labor because my contractions weren’t coming up on the monitor. I went from 5 to 8 cm in about 15 minutes and from 8 cm to giving birth in about 20 minutes. It was painful, I’m not going to lie. I was not prepared and transition really kicked my butt mentally. I had an amazing nurse help me get my head back together and got me through it.
While I was in transition I thought of all my Facebook friends and those on BWF who had given birth naturally before me. That is the beauty of the internet, you can channel the experiences of people you don’t even personally know.
Then out he came, and my husband captured this as I cried, because the pain was over. I did it and he was beautiful (and a whole POUND and 2 oz bigger then my heaviest child at 8lbs 8oz).
My husband captured it on his Blackberry, we didn’t have a photographer. This is my 3rd child, his name is James.
Recommended Reading
When Natural Labour Isn’t Ideal
Focusing Through the Ring of Fire: An Unmedicated, Natural Birth
Hypnobirthing Through Horrible Back Labor: A VBAC Story
Eloise’s Birth Story: Finding Healing & Hope
Embracing the Unexpected: Akash’s Birth Story
Strong and Beautiful and Nothing to Regret- A 45 Minute Home Water Birth
A Baby Who Cried: Birthing Without a Plan- Our Home Birth, Turned Hospital
Willamena’s Birth
5 Comments
Danielle
Ahhhh thank you for posting! This picture makes me cry every time, I was a wreck, but its so beautiful to me. Thank you again, i wish i had written more eloquently lol!
Ashley C.
Your first & second labor & delivery stories sound identical to what I experienced with my first two. I am halfway through my 3rd pregnancy, with my 3rd boy & hoping for a medication free L & D. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience!! It gives me hope!!
Liza
I recently had a mom and dad of 6 + 3 adopted, so 9 altogether-go through my Bradley Method childbirth class. It is NEVER too late to try for that experience of natural birth. It’s a wonderful gift for your baby and your selves.
Danielle
Ashley, stay home as long as possible….or have your OB/Midwife be dealing with an emergency. 3rd came in 4 hours, I stayed home because I was unsure I was in labor, then when i got to the hospital they didn’t think I was, then when it was obvious i was in transition (because i suddenly became nauseous and irrational) they couldn’t fine my dr to order the epidural…..which wall makes for an unmedicated birth 😀 Good luck!!
Danielle
Sorry Autocorrect and a 2 year old on me made for some spelling and grammatical errors!