When I went into labor with my first set of twins, I was sure I had food poisoning. I blamed the burger or the tomatillo sauce that my husband had made. I didn’t know I was having contractions. That’s how tricky labor can be. It doesn’t always feel how you think it will.
At Carriage House Birth, we believe that birth is sacred and that knowledge gives you power. So, let’s talk about what birth actually feels like.
What Do Contractions Feel Like?
Every birth is different, but here’s what contractions often feel like:
• Strong period cramps that come in waves
• Tightening across the belly that builds and fades.
• Back pain or rectal pressure as labor progresses
Some people say it’s like their whole body working toward something powerful. Others describe it as an out-of-body experience. There’s no one version just your version.
Birth is intense. It’s physical, emotional, and hormonal. But your body releases endorphins and oxytocin to help you cope especially in unmedicated labor. That hormonal flow is why some people describe labor as spiritual, grounding, or even euphoric.
And no matter how it unfolds, you can do it especially with the right tools and support.
In our Comfort Measures for Labor class we teach expectant parents practical way to work with labor not against it. The class is designed to help you and your support team feel empowered with hands-on techniques and coping tools you can actually use during birth.
We cover:
• Focused breathing
• Movement and position changes
• Water therapy (showers, baths)
• Counterpressure and massage
• Pain relief options—including epidurals, no shame in that!
Whether you're planning a home birth, hospital birth, or something in between, this class meets you where you are. We support all choices. Your body, your birth.
Understanding the sensations of labor reduces fear and fear makes pain worse. We believe informed birthing people feel more confident, more in control, and more connected to the process.
Birth doesn’t have to be something that happens to you. You get to be an active part of the story.
“Birth has never stopped blowing my mind. Each one is a reminder of what’s possible.”