I delivered a 10 lb 12 oz baby in the front seat of our truck. The firemen kept trying to recline my seat. Nope. 45 degree angle is optimal. No pain. No tears. Bradley Method. Felt like superwoman!
Transition was 8:15-9:30. The contractions were so intense, I describe it as a freight train going through my body. I was shaking during them toward the end. Low moaning. Husband pushing on my back for counter pressure. But rest in between each one. My water broke at 9:35 and then it was all over. Not a single ounce of intensity or “pain” followed.
I squatted in that position. I breathed. I felt his head, felt my tissues expand as he crowned, and then the rest of his body slipped out and he was up on my chest.
I wasn’t screaming. I wasn’t in pain. I wasn’t even sweaty.
Stubbing your toe is painful. Contractions after birth when your uterus shrinks back down are painful 
Labor contractions are a deep, intense pressure.
Your mental preparation, what you believe about contractions, what you believe your body is capable of AND your environment have a HUGE impact on your pain.
With my first I was terrified. Tense. Trying to bare down and grit my teeth through each one. Vomitting. Hospital. Strangers. Bright lights.
With my third I was swaying, welcoming each surge, working with my body, trusting my body. Home. Living room. Low lights. My husband and my midwife.
You can do this! You were made for this!
Labor contractions are a deep, intense pressure.
Your mental preparation, what you believe about contractions, what you believe your body is capable of AND your environment have a HUGE impact on your pain.
With my first I was terrified. Tense. Trying to bare down and grit my teeth through each one. Vomitting. Hospital. Strangers. Bright lights.
With my third I was swaying, welcoming each surge, working with my body, trusting my body. Home. Living room. Low lights. My husband and my midwife.
You can do this! You were made for this!The exact position I was in when I delivered my third at home without pushing - I breathed him down and my body did the work. And I didn’t tear at all. He was 9.2 lbs.
Forcing women to lay flat on their back is part of the reason labors don’t go smoothly. It is not how our bodies are designed to give birth.
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