-
When did you realize you were really in labor?
I woke up at 4:30am and thought I had peed a little. I went to the bathroom, changed, and it happened again. I figured my water had started to break. It never fully broke, but contractions started around 9am. They got very intense by noon, but when I checked into the hospital, my labor stopped. Contractions were irregular until about 6pm when I decided I needed to "get in the zone" and have my babies. They were born at 1:49am and 2:08am.
-
What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging part for me was knowing the natural methods that were out there. I did not know there was such a thing as a home birth. My chiropractor had talked to me about midwives doing home births and I loved that idea! I also didn't know that some people do not circumcise their boys. When I asked my midwife if she did that, she just looked at me funny and asked if I had researched it. I never had a thought about that until I did research and realize I did not want to do that! I attended a natural birth class which really helped prepare me for labor and delivery. I never had the thought that I wanted an epidural. I knew what I needed to do and I focused on letting my body do what God designed it to do.
-
5.31
-
What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Attending a natural birth class was very beneficial. Also seeing a chiropractor as often as I would see my midwife really helped my body adjust to the changes it was going through.
-
What surprised you about your birth?
I was ready to have a home birth with a midwife and I chose not to have ultrasounds. When it came time for my home visit at 36 weeks, the midwife requested I do an ultrasound just to verify the position of the baby. That is when I found out I was having twins! It was overwhelming that first week as I interviewed a few doctors at various hospitals. I was very discouraged knowing my babies could come at any time and I could no longer have the home birth I wanted. My midwife recommended a doctor that I really liked. Thankfully, I was able to have a natural birth as both boys were head down. They were born at 38+6 weeks. A hospital birth was not what I wanted to have and it had its traumatic moments, but both my boys are healthy and well. I am truly blessed.
-
After my second son was born they handed him to me right away and it was amazing to see him. He then peed on me and I just laughed.
-
What pain relief strategies worked best?
The best relief for me was knowing that intensity of a contraction only lasted so long. I would come into a contraction knowing that it had an end and I would focus on that. My husband also was a tremendous help by putting pressure on my back during contractions. I really appreciate him for doing that for hours on end.
-
What position did you end up delivering in?
I was only dilated to 9cm when I began pushing so I delivered laying on my back. That was not my first choice, but that's how it all worked out.
-
How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
My first baby was taking to the NICU right away, but honestly did not need to go. So I didn't hold him until a few hours after he was born. After my second son was born they handed him to me right away and it was amazing to see him. He then peed on me and I just laughed.
-
What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Your mindset is everything. Decide beforehand what it is you want and then focus on how to achieve that, but be somewhat prepared for the unexpected. Have someone you trust who can speak up for you as things progress quickly. Bottom line, you can do it. Trust your body.
