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When did you realize you were really in labor?
My blood pressure was very high, even with medication. Thankfully my OB was cool with allowing me to birth as natural as possible. When they broke my water, labour started very intensely.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Breathing and focusing near the end. The closer you get to delivery, the more your mind begins to say I can't, but your body thankfully has taken over by then.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Taking yoga/meditation classes throughout pregnancy, researching VBAC to know what I wanted, what to expect and challenges that could be faced. We wanted to hire a doula this time because we could not get a midwife, but that just didn't work out. We did however get placenta encapsulated and tincture.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How fast it was. From water break to delivery was only just over 4 hours. And how emotional the delivery was. It was such a relief to know he was out and here safely and that we had finished this journey together. Supporting and encouraging each other knowing we could do this birth thing our way.
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Near the end I was on my left side and squeezing the heck out of my husbands arm!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
I was on all fours for most of labour. My mom was rubbing my back and using heated blankets to relax me during contractions. Near the end I was on my left side and squeezing the heck out of my husbands arm!
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On my left side
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Amazing! It was so emotional. We cried and cuddled. He was brought directly to my chest and APGAR tests were done there.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Research your situation and know what you want and fight for it. Especially if you end up with an OB. His first reaction when I said I wanted VBAC was IV and epidural, but you have the right to refuse. He also said he wouldn't allow me to deliver anyway but supine, but in the moment, he said it's working for her, leave her.
