Why I wanted a natural hospital birth in my high-risk pregnancy
In my first pregnancy (low-risk), I had no idea what I wanted but after that realized what I didn’t like. For my second (low-risk), I had a better idea of what I wanted. The third time around, I knew exactly what I wanted for my birth experience. But then came the diagnoses, multiple high-risk flags.
Of course, getting baby here safely, and keeping mom safe is always the most important. Despite my high-risk pregnancy factors, however, I was still determined to have a positive birth experience which meant birthing as close to what I desired as possible.
First-time mom, low-risk birth experience
The first time around, I didn’t give too much thought to the birth experience that I wanted. I just wanted the baby out, safely and to experience as little pain as possible. But my naive first-time mom self had no clue how it all really goes down.
I arrived at the hospital at 4cm, and the nurses got me settled in the bed. My contractions were regular, and painful, but not terrible. Getting an epidural was part of my plan from the beginning and I told the nurses. Outwardly I was still so calm (normal for me). So they assumed I was managing fine and they didn’t rush anything. My husband, on the other hand, knows me all too well and was freaking out on my behalf (or maybe because first time dad mode!).
My contractions began intensifying and I felt like I was writhing in the bed miserable. It was so agonizing to get through the contractions in bed, but I felt like I couldn’t move. Eventually, they checked me again to realize I was already 7cm and then they got moving on the epidural. Finally, I got the epidural at 8cm and was able to relax a bit and even nap for a short spell.
Then, 5 hours after we arrived, I had my first baby. The epidural brought such relief both from the pain and exhaustion. But for me, laboring in bed felt terrible. I didn’t like losing the use of my legs and that I had to birth on my back. My recovery from this birth was the most difficult. Perhaps it was only because I was a first-time mom, but it’s also more strain on the body to birth lying on your back.
Birth experiences vary so widely, there are an extraordinary amount of things that can happen, and plans change all the time. Even knowing this, I think being informed and having an idea about what you want and don’t want during birth is important.
Second-time mom, low-risk birth experience
When I was pregnant the second time, I reflected back on my first birth experience and clearly remembered what I did not like about it. And wanted to figure out how to have a better experience the second time around.
The idea of an unmedicated birth floated through my peripheral during my second pregnancy. But I was still scared! I was pregnant, taking care of a 1-year-old, and we were moving cross-country. I didn’t have a lot of time to give it serious consideration and prepare accordingly.
That time around, I had a midwife and enjoyed the prenatal care experience better. There was more personal care and consideration of all aspects. I also felt like they discussed birthing as a natural, normal process, even if pain meds were desired. I welcomed the change in focus, though I still planned to get an epidural (still scared!).
Well, babies have their own plans, and my second baby wanted out quickly. Less than 45 minutes after we arrived at the hospital, he was born. They tried for the epidural but couldn’t get it in. My midwife was my saving grace, talking me through it all.
I labored standing up the entire time, and it was much easier to move through my contractions. And I had my second baby on my hands and knees, which is a more natural position for birth.
It was far from easy, and it hurt, holy ring of fire. But once the shock wore off, I recognized it was not that bad, not that scary, and ultimately the mental (over physical) aspect was the most difficult.
And nothing in life has come close to the natural post-birth endorphin rush. Incredible. My recovery was so quick and easy, and I attribute that to the natural, unmedicated birth. This was my personal experience with my body and birth, but I know others have very different and more difficult experiences.
Why a natural hospital birth even in a high-risk pregnancy?
My second birth experience gave me the confidence and clarity that I wanted to go natural for my third birth.
I was determined to head into this birth more calmly and confidently. So I knew I needed to dedicate some time to mentally prepare for it.
I felt safest giving birth in a hospital. There are plenty of stats to support home births and birth center births as perfectly safe options. Perhaps surprisingly, these births have lower rates of issues and interventions. But ultimately mom needs to decide what she is most comfortable with. And for me, it’s always been a hospital birth.
Regardless, with multiple high-risk flags this third time around, the hospital was my only option. And that’s how I landed at aiming for a natural hospital birth in my high-risk pregnancy.
