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Video Interview With Brinley
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When did you realize you were really in labor?
My water broke spontaneously at home around midnight. Contractions started about 30 minutes later.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
This was baby #4 and I always found the transition phase and pushing to be the most challenging.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Read and practice the Bradley Method book. I recommend it for everyone. Practice is key! And with your partner. Even though this was our fourth time doing it we still practiced how to work through contractions. We would do it about 4 times a week before bed throughout the whole 3rd trimester. Also reading stories about unmedicated births really helped.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How fast this baby came! My water broke around midnight and she was here by 4:15am!
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You can do it! Remember, no matter how short you do get a break between each contraction! Educate yourself completely and be confident in your decision.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
The Bradley method dialog, breathing through contractions and praying.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
A rush of relief and excitement. We didn’t know the gender and for some reason I thought boy the whole time so when we found out baby was a girl I was shocked and so happy.
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What did you name your baby, and why?
Josephine Mary. Josephine because we liked the name. I went with Mary last minute because I said a lot of Hail Mary’s during this birth and I believe it truly helped have a speedy, healthy birth.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
You can do it! Remember, no matter how short you do get a break between each contraction! It helps to notice when the contraction Is at its peak and then notice the pain come down and stop completely, rest and then get ready for the next one and repeat. Also know each stage of labor and what to expect. Going in blindly will be scary and you will want to give in to whatever is offered to you by medical staff. Educate yourself completely and be confident in your decision.
