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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I first realized I was in labor when my water began to slowly break in gushes, and cramping began.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
One of the challenges was believing I could do it naturally within a hospital. But, the last few pushes turned out to be the toughest part. I had to really dig deep, pray out loud, and allow myself to believe I could finish the job!
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
The best thing I did to prepare was praying (a lot) and read a great book by Ina May Gaskin! It taught me how to breathe through the contractions, open my body up mentally, and avoid fighting the pain by thinking and speaking in a positive way throughout the labor.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I was surprised at how quickly it went, and how much control I truly had over how quickly it went. Gravity is a great friend to labor (NO laying on my back & I stood or squatted/kneeled for all but the car ride and wheelchair ride up to maternity.) And mind over matter is real! I allowed it to come fast while at home, then I held it off while in the car, and I again allowed it to finish up fast once safely at the hospital. I was only in active labor for 3 hours.
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Yes, it can be scary, and yes, it will hurt, but we are made to do this! Once it's over, you forget what you went through, and all you see and remember is the joy you are left with, and the empowerment you feel remembering what an amazing thing your body has done!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
My midwife and nurses used the hip squeezing method during contractions, and also pressed on some pressure points on my lower back. It decreased the pain so much. I was really surprised at how much.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I delivered in a squat/kneel position.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It felt like the biggest relief to finally hold him :) No more pain, and his warm, slippery little body.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
If you really want to go natural, read books about it, and read natural birth stories. Pray hard for the wisdom to do it successfully, and for strength and courage. Also, stay away from mainstream hospitals and doctors. They mean well, but they are medicine oriented, and they are schooled to view birth as a medical issue. We used midwives and a hospital that promotes parents' choice on every step of pregnancy, childbirth and post childbirth. There is a way to be both safe and natural. You have to find what feels right for you. And don't approach childbirth with fear. Yes, it can be scary, and yes, it will hurt, but we are made to do this! Once it's over, you forget what you went through, and all you see and remember is the joy you are left with, and the empowerment you feel remembering what an amazing thing your body has done!
