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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I starting having surges about 11pm but didn't realise I was in labor so went to bed. I woke maybe an hour later and remember thinking it was a bit odd these feelings hadn't stopped so got up and had a cup of ginger tea and put a hot water bottle on my stomach, before returning to the bedroom and waking my husband up. I told him I was feeling 'a little bit sore' and could he please rub my back. He did, and a few minutes later I felt a gush as my waters broke! It was all on from then...
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Actually dealing with other people. For me pregnancy was a beautiful, private, gift that was given to my husband and myself. But as soon as it was obvious I was expecting I had people (not just family and friends but complete strangers too) coming up to me and launching into these traumatic birth stories! Not what I needed to hear when I was aiming for a peaceful natural birth.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Research!! I read lots, watched documentaries, spoke with women who had children who I considered to be great mothers/women. Ina May Gaskins books, Birth into Being and Hypnobirthing (by Marie Mongon) were particularly helpful. Also every day I would take time to relax and tune into bubba. Stayed positive, knew I could have a beautiful, natural birth and kept my focus on that.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How fast it was! I was expecting the labor to be days and it was super quick.
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I was expecting the labor to be days and it was super quick.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Hynobirthing techniques are beneficial, as long as you practice them plenty before you're in labor.
Once I got myself in the bath, my whole body felt at ease. The water relaxed me so much that I had bubba 10minutes later!
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What position did you end up delivering in?
In the bath on my hands and knees.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Incredible. No words can really do justice to the beauty of that moment.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Do your research. Don't let others tell you that you can't do it naturally, try to bully you, or put negative thoughts in your head. The female body was designed for birth. You can do it. Visualise it. Get yourself a good crew of people you can call on for the birth and just after birth who support your wishes and will truly be there for you. Write a birth plan prior to birth so everybody knows what page you're on (and you don't have to explain while you're in labor). Talk to your baby, let your baby know you love them and the two of you can do this together. Relax :)
