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When did you realize you were really in labor?
The night before my due date I started having contractions that started in my front and wrapped around to my back. This was the first time I experienced that feeling. When I couldn't sleep through them I knew labor had begun. I told my husband to go to bed and I would wake him when I needed him.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Going into my son's birth, I had it made up in my mind that I was going to go natural. The most challenging part was probably reminding the hospital staff that this was what I wanted to do, it took them awhile to stop asking me if I wanted something to help with the pain!
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I did a lot of reading beforehand. I loved reading natural birth stories and Ina May Gaskin's books. Especially "Ina May Gaskin's Guide to Childbirth."
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What surprised you about your birth?
The most surprising part was realizing how much my body could handle. It took a lot of endurance to work through contractions and relax to let my body do what it needed to do. My contractions began at 9pm on Monday night and my son was born Tuesday at 6:46pm, it was a long process!
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The most surprising part was realizing how much my body could handle. It took a lot of endurance to work through contractions and relax to let my body do what it needed to do.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
I loved sitting on the birthing ball, leaning into the bed while my husband put pressure on my lower back.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I delivered on my back in a semi seated position, pulling my legs into my chest.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Holding my first son Joshua was a relief and the greatest joy, it all had been worth it!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
My biggest piece of advice is to keep the negative out of your mind. All three of my labors were about keeping my mind set on the prize - that sweet baby in my arms!
