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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I started having regular contractions, unlike a few days before, they were very consistent.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most difficult was not knowing how long it was going to go on for, contractions were becoming very intense and very close together and for what I had read and heard, since it was my first birth it would probably last about 12 hours and when I thought about it, I just thought to myself I can't do this for twelve hours! Luckily I didn't have to.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I think the most important thing was get to a positive mental state, truly believe I could do it. I think that learning about the process and hearing stories from other women really helped.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How short it was, I think in total my active labor was about four and a half hours, which is not the norm for first timers.
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I think the most important thing was get to a positive mental state, truly believe I could do it.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
I had learned in pregnancy yoga that it could help to humm deeply , and that was what I did during every contraction, going through the motions with each one. I ended up being very loud at the peak of each contraction. It also helped a lot to rock my hips from side to side.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I labored most of the time standing, but when it came to push my legs were killing me, so I opted for the birthing stool.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Sureal, I just couldn't believe she was in my arms.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
To try and stay as active as possible throughout pregnancy, and surround yourself with positivity and positive people who support your desicion, that includes choosing a caregiver (midwife or doctor) who you really trust.
