Nurai is a first-time mother. She participated in our Natural Childbirth Preparation Course, and when her labour began, a trainer from our Community Health Education team served as her doula. Here is Nurai's story:
"From the very beginning of my pregnancy, I joined the course and started attending classes. First of all, I established a healthy diet and regularly practised the recommended exercises. Because I remained in constant contact throughout my pregnancy and received answers to all my questions, this period passed very smoothly and easily for me.
"Shortly before giving birth, we had lessons on labour, the birth process, and successful breastfeeding. This information was incredibly useful. I especially loved the visual aids. Seeing how the pelvic bones move helped me understand everything much more clearly.
"I had hoped to reach 40 weeks of pregnancy, but my labour started at 38 weeks. At first, I couldn't tell whether it was false labour or real labour. The day before, my back had started hurting, but after sleeping, the pain went away. Then, on 24 June at 11:00 a.m., when the pain returned, I immediately called my doula, who was also our CHE trainer. Together, we tracked the timing of my contractions and tried the five techniques we had learned in class. Since the contractions continued, we realised that it was true labour.
"My doula came to support me, helping me remember everything I had learned. With each contraction, I focused on deep breathing and conscious relaxation. This technique significantly reduced the pain. I also practised exercises such as squatting, swaying, and walking up and down the stairs to help my baby move into position. At the same time, I was even able to do household chores. I cooked and hung out the laundry. We were in no rush to go to the maternity hospital.
"Although labour began at 11:00 a.m., we did not arrive at the hospital until 9:00 p.m. At 10:00 p.m., my waters broke, and the contractions became much more intense. Even then, I continued to breathe correctly and practise the exercises I had learned. Finally, at 2:00 a.m., my baby was born healthy and safe. I did not experience any tearing at all.
"After the birth, the knowledge I had gained about the benefits of colostrum and proper breastfeeding was a tremendous help. I experienced no cracked or painful nipples.
"I believe every woman should have access to this information. Since this was my first pregnancy, receiving such wonderful support and guidance from beginning to end meant everything to me. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone involved," she shared while reflecting on her natural birth experience.
