Over the past month, I’ve had the privilege of being a doula at several births, and it got me thinking about my own birthing experiences and what made them different from each other. Just to give you some context, I’ve really been through the whole range when it comes to childbirth, though my friend jokingly reminded me I haven’t experienced having multiples yet—something I’m more than happy to avoid for now!
Reflecting on my most recent labor, I noticed some major changes compared to my previous experiences. I’ve attended many births, and while I might feel a little envious of women who seem to go through labor effortlessly, I haven’t been one of them. In fact, I’ve never really had a “usual” labor, if such a thing even exists. After my first birth, I was anxious and unsure of my abilities, and following a C-section, my labor was longer and quite discouraging. But after some research, I learned that first-time vaginal births after a C-section often take longer as the uterus adjusts.
Despite my worries with a breech baby and the fact that she wasn’t positioned on my cervix until I suddenly dilated from 6 to 10 centimeters in one contraction, my last labor ended up being ten hours shorter than the others and not any more challenging. My daughter was born healthy, which was wonderful.
I believe several factors contributed to making my latest labor the easiest. For starters, I’ve always been a fan of magnesium and noticed its benefits during my last pregnancy. I used magnesium body butter and oil regularly, letting my body absorb only what it needed. I believe magnesium improved my hormone function and muscle health, making a real difference in my labor experience.
Magnesium is essential, especially since pregnancy increases the need for it, but it’s always best to consult with your doctor for the right dosage. Too much magnesium can affect muscle relaxation, impacting contractions and even serious functions like heart and breathing.
I also found valuable insights from Katy Bowman, an expert in biomechanics. Her blog opened my eyes to the importance of pelvic alignment and squatting, rather than only focusing on kegels. This new practice was particularly useful when I had to push during labor in a hands-and-knees position.
I also used a Squatty Potty, which helped with easier elimination during pregnancy and possibly contributed to a quick dilation. Additionally, consistent chiropractic adjustments in the last weeks of pregnancy, especially due to the breech position, focused on pelvic alignment and may have eased my labor, even if my baby didn’t turn.
During this pregnancy, I prioritized consuming healthy saturated fats and Omega-3s, avoiding artificial fats altogether, which I believe supported hormone production. Finally, choosing to be at home during labor played a big role in helping me relax in a comfortable environment. While a C-section previously saved both my son and me, being at home during this labor felt right and likely shortened the process significantly.
Have you experienced natural labor? I’d love to hear what made a difference in your experience! Share your thoughts in the comments. Remember, this information should complement the advice of your healthcare provider.
