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When did you realize you were really in labor?
It was the day before my son was "due"and we were driving to pick up my mother in law when I felt "something" happen down there. It was my mucus plug. I didn't think I was in labor though, because I read that it could still be weeks, and this was my first so I figured for sure he'd be late. We went about our day, went to Whole Foods, and then out to dinner. I was feeling crampy but not in pain so I still assumed I had time. But about half way through dinner I was rocking back and forth trying to ease the discomfort and my mother in law said... "you're having this baby tonight." Yup I was in labor.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Honestly just making the decision. When I first picked up the Mama Natural book I started reading and thought "this book is great and I love all of this BUT I'm totally not doing the unmedicated thing, NO WAY." Very funny now looking back that I was really convinced I could read that whole book and just leave that part out. Making the decision was the hardest part to start. The hardest part of the physical labor was not knowing how long it would last.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I'm not just saying this but Mama Natural was the top thing I did and continue to do. It was my starting point for every question and the Mama Natural Birth Course was the best thing I did for me AND my husband. He didn't think I'd be able to handle natural birth and had no frame of reference for someone doing it, but I think that course opened his eyes to the possibility and made him an even better and more engaged partner. I also think eating all the dates and the red raspberry leaf tea including the "labor day" formula was key in making it quick and right on time! I also listened to birthing affirmation from Gabby Bernstein every morning as I got ready. These really helped me because they were quick and repetitive so I was able to call on them during the actual birth; as opposed to the hypno birthing that I also tried to learn which flew out the window the minute labor really started.
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What surprised you about your birth?
That the shower was the key! My doula put me in the shower and it helped manage the discomfort and make me feel in control again. I was able to stay at home longer as I wanted to! I didn't know it was that powerful. I was also surprised that when I got to the hospital (which was only about 5 minutes away) I was already at a 9!!
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Tears of joy and immediate connection with a fierce need to protect him. I didn't let him out of my sight from the moment he was on my chest.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
The warm shower water on my back as I was on all fours over the exercise ball was essential! After I was at the hospital I think just groaning deeply on the breaths was helpful-ish.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Surreal. Scary. Holy crap what just happened and who is this person?! Tears of joy and immediate connection with a fierce need to protect him. I didn't let him out of my sight from the moment he was on my chest.
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What did you name your baby, and why?
Jack Thunder. We just liked the name Jack and it kinda stuck as we tried out different names. My husband came up with the middle name Thunder (obviously lol). He came home one day with a "great idea" and told me to "keep an open mind"... He LOVED his idea so much that I gave in, and now I love it too. I also didn't want to circumcise and he did, so I got to win that battle and he got the name!
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How did the Mama Natural Birth Class help you in your childbirth?
It helped me see it was possible!! It was amazing to actually see other births and hear stories. It also helped me to take my power back from a system that really doesn't allow you to have it unless you work for it. I knew what I wanted and why from the course so I was able to be my own best advocate and have the exact birth I desired.
