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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I knew I was in the beginning stages of labor at dinner around 8:00 pm. I was having small contractions and by 10:00pm, we headed to our birth center. I was only dilated to about a 3. So I was sent home. By 7:00 the next morning, I was in active labor. I knew it had to be real. I was also beginning to lose my mucous plug. We arrived at the birth center around 9:00 am and I was dilated to a 7.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The back labor. My baby was posterior and it created unbelievable back labor. As he was coming out, he also had his elbow up, which created tearing as a result. The back labor was definitely the most challenging.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Made birth affirmations. I read my affirmations daily and prayed over myself and my baby daily. You have to prepare mentally as much as you do physically.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How well my husband did. He was and still is the best birth coach ever. I was so afraid he would act silly and thoroughly irritate me and make me want to punch him. Instead, he was very "there" and present and at my side the entire time.
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I made birth affirmations. I read my affirmations daily and prayed over myself and my baby daily. You have to prepare mentally as much as you do physically.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
The hot water. I labored and birthed in the tub and it did help a lot. My birth assistant also did a pelvic squeeze on me every time I contracted. That seriously helped.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I was in a squat, hanging over the edge of the pool, holding onto the pool handles.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Relief. Like a huge breath of fresh air. The biggest relief to finally be done with all that work. To just sit and stare at this human life I created. It was very surreal.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
You absolutely have to prepare yourself. Mentally and physically. Make affirmation cards or prayer flags. Use a midwife and a doula if you can afford the doula. Exercise throughout your pregnancy. See a chiropractor. When you talk to others about your birth, talk to positive people. When it comes to drug free...tell yourself you are looking at it as the only way to deliver your baby (pending no emergencies). I told myself I would do it this way because it was the only way.
