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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I woke up early in the morning and was wide awake, as though I had a whole pot of coffee. I started to read about the life of Saint Ephraim, the name we had chosen for our son and had a great sense of peace.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The fears and horror stories shared by others who were worried about me. They made me so anxious that I didn't want to talk about my pregnancy or birth plan with anyone other than my midwife and husband.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Pray and prepare myself emotionally. Also, it happened that my husband's martial art training was very useful as he helped me breathe through each contraction.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How strong I am and that everything flowed so naturally. I felt like I was dreaming and the pain was somehow outside of me. It was difficult but right after I saw my baby boy I said, "I can do this again."
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Trust yourself and don't listen to the horror stories of others. You are your own person and God has created you to handle this without any unnecessary interventions.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Focusing on knowing I'll hold my baby soon. Breathing through contractions. Believing that this will not last forever. And, changing positions to whatever is comfortable. I walked around the apartment a lot that day and often got on my hands and knees.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I was on my knees in bed leaning against my husband.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Amazing and wonderful. I was so tired and happy and it all felt like a dream. I remember it as though it was yesterday... and that was four years ago.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Trust yourself and don't listen to the horror stories of others. You are your own person and God has created you to handle this without any unnecessary interventions. Definitely be sure to have the full support of your spouse and only allow those who support your decision to be present at the birth.
