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When did you realize you were really in labor?
My contractions woke me from a dead sleep around 3am. I tried everything to rule out false labor. My husband ran me a hot bath, I chugged water, I walked around the house. The pressure just became so intense I couldn't deny it.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
For me, it was believing in myself despite the on call doctor telling me "my baby might be too big" because my labor stalled for 4 hours at 8cm.. But once he decided to come, he came fast!
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
We hired a birth doula for one! Best decision EVER!
I read Ina May's guide to Child Birth. I also watched tons of natural births on YouTube with my husband. I feel like natural birth is 80% mental preparation.. 20% reassurance!
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What surprised you about your birth?
I was surprised my water never broke on its own. I finally let the doctor break it when my labor stalled for 4 hours at 8cm.
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Confidence is the key to a successful birth and also a confident birth team to keep advocating for you when you want to crack at times like during transition!!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
My doula and husband doing "double hip squeezes" during contractions were amazing
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I was on all fours with the head of the bed raised and my hands gripping the top, rocking back and forth humming and breathing in through every contraction. I never actually pushed, I just breathed.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
I was in disbelief that I did it! My first born was an induction at 39 weeks so this natural birth was a huge accomplishment for me!!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Trust your body!! I think that was the biggest thing for me, realizing that women have given birth thousands of years before me with no intervention.
Educate yourself, watch videos, read books! Confidence is the key to a successful birth and also a confident birth team to keep advocating for you when you want to crack at times (like during transition!!)
