Andrea’s Story: A First Time Mother’s Unmedicated 4 Hour Labor!
Hi Andrea! Tell us about your motherhood journey!
Jace Ryan Day
Labor
37 weeks
3pm water trickle
6:22pm check in at hospital
Pushed for 24 mins
7:09 born
A little back story, we went through an ectopic in August 2018 and a miscarriage in May 2019. I was terrified to continue to try but deep down I knew I was meant to be a mom. I got pregnant for the 3rd time in September and was a nervous wreck my whole pregnancy.
On May 17, 2020 our baby boy decided to arrive a few weeks early and it was the most incredible unbelievable experience I have ever went through!
Thursday I had a doctor’s appointment. Besides the normal uncomfortableness, I felt really good for being almost 37 weeks. When I was driving home I did get some back cramps but I just thought it was because I was sitting for an hour in the car. Friday and Saturday my belly was so incredibly sensitive to move and touch. I took it easy and just relaxed.
Sunday I took a mid day nap and woke up at 2:50om pm and went to the bathroom. My pee just wouldn’t stop, so I quickly realized it wasn’t pee and I had a slight trickle of water leaking. When I went to wipe it was light pink. I texted my OB and she said I could labor at home until 4-1-1. At this point I didn’t even have contractions just mild period cramps. I was preparing for a long night laboring at home. At 5pm my contractions were lasting anywhere between 30-60 seconds about 4 minutes apart. My husband was getting a little worried and I said let’s wait until 5:30pm and we can head up to the hospital (we live an hour away). At this point the pain was definitely manageable with breathing. I just kept thinking it had to get worse. I would just drop to my hands and knees and rock back and forth. At 5:20pm I decided we should leave and I am so glad we did. I had some very intense contractions in the car. My back started to feel it, I had a burning sensation starting and I felt like I had to poop so bad. I kept moaning and just telling myself ride the wave and it will be over. We checked in at the hospital at 6:22pm. My plan was to finish my labor in the natural birth center but when they took me back to check me I was FULLY DILATED and basically ready to push. I was in total shock because in my mind I was preparing them to tell me “You’re at a 2, we’re going to send you home”.
Since I was not allowed in the natural birth center without a negative covid test (results take an hour to get back) I started pushing in the normal L&D. Luckily I didn’t hear this but my husband told me after that there wasn’t a doctor at the hospital at the time, just residents and it was going to take the on call doctor over 30 mins to arrive. I am very close with my OB and she ended up flying up to the hospital and made it just in time when our baby was crowning. I pushed for 24 minutes and our sweet boy was born at 7:09 pm healthy as can be!
So you’re probably wondering what the heck did this girl do to have such a quick labor as a first time mom!? I followed the mama natural pregnancy and childbirth book 100%. I drank RRLT, ate my dates, stayed active, and used my birth ball everyday. Our minds are so incredibly powerful and I learned to trust my body. I never let myself get afraid because this is what our bodies are made to do. I also want to call out about the pain. I have a very low pain tolerance (my husband says) but somehow I was able to ROCK my birth and do it all natural in 4ish hours. I hope this provides some motivation to other mamas out there. You got this!
What surprised you most about your conception, pregnancy, and/or birth journey?
Conception was very challenging for us. Even after our first trying for our second I experienced another miscarriage. I like to think I block those times out but it's hard to because it still affects me today. I am thankful to have two healthy boys that I get to love every day.
As for labor - I was shocked as a first time mom how fast it happened. I know people would consider me "lucky" but honestly I do feel it had a lot to do with my preparation and mindset
What tips or advice would you like to give other Mamas?
Never let yourself get afraid because this is what our bodies are made to do.
What 3 words best describe birth for you?
Ultimate Unmedicated Hospital
Are there any classes, courses, books, or other resources you'd like to recommend that helped you with your experience?
Mama natural pregnancy and childbirth book and community.
What does being a mother mean to you?
Everything. I live for our boys.
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