-
When did you realize you were really in labor?
My water had broke around 4am, I took a shower and then was doing some dishes & I just felt different, something shifted & I knew we needed to leave soon to get to the hospital. We were there by 6:30am & I was fully dilated by the time they checked me.
-
What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Where this was my first birth, I'd have to say fear of the unknown. What is it going to feel like and can I do it without drugs.
-
image41
-
What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Hypnobabies which is a type of hypnobirthing, that really helped me focus & channel my breathing. Also talking with my friend who was a labor & delivery nurse and has 4 children but Most important was my mom, I wanted to know all about her births & thankfully she had quickly & relatively "easy" births. I went into my birth with the mindset that I was going to have a quick & "easy" delivery.
-
What surprised you about your birth?
It wasn't as "painful" as I thought it would be or rather it's a different pain. Contractions are like a rhythmic wave coming & going. Also I would say the growl that came out of me, where did that come from? Lol
-
Focus on your breathing & try to keep as calm as possible.
-
What pain relief strategies worked best?
Breathing, moving, squeezing (I mean holding) my husbands hand.
-
What position did you end up delivering in?
On my back and when a contraction came I would put my knees up & curl into a sit-up like position.
-
How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Amazing, so much love radiating for this little being and the excitement of finding out he was a boy :) Also a little bit of shock, he is finally here & I'm his mommy! Not an aunt or babysitter, I'm his mom & I have do to everything in my power to take care of him. Changes your world is the most awesome, amazing way! God really knows what he is doing!
-
What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Hypnobabies I believe really helped me. Focus on your breathing & try to keep as calm as possible. Also your body is made to do this, it knows what it is doing and if you start to feel nervous (especially with your first) remember millions of women having given birth & some even keep doing it!
