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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I was 12 days past my "due date" and starting to get very discouraged. I knew as I headed into my 42nd week of pregnancy that my midwife would want to discuss options to induce and I really did not want to go down that path. Thankfully at around 3pm that day I started having mild contractions and began to time them. (I never thought I would be so excited to have contractions but after waiting so long for this baby, I was ready!) They were consistent at about 3 1/2 to 4 minutes apart lasting 30-45 seconds. As the day progressed they began to get more intense, longer and closer together. I was able to labor at home for about 10 hours and then went to the hospital when it seemed like I was well into the 2nd stage of labor. 2 1/2 hours later our 2nd daughter was born!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging thing for me was dealing with the intensity of the contractions as I got closer to the end. I had to really focus on breathing deeply and low humming to get through each one. Complete concentration! The hospital allowed me to labor in the shower in our room which had jets directed at my lower back and a handheld shower head which I could aim at my stomach. It was partly a distraction and the warm water was helpful in keeping me more relaxed then if I had been laboring in a hospital bed or walking.
I knew I was nearing the finish line when I heard myself say "I can't do this!" and my husband encouraged me that I could and to keep going. Not long after, I had the urge to push and they transitioned me to the bed where I delivered our baby girl.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I tried to mentally prepare with reading positive birth stories, prayer and letting go of my fears. I had to set aside my fears and doubts and trust that I could do a natural delivery again and that my body was designed to do this!
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What surprised you about your birth?
I was surprised with how much quicker my pushing time was with my 2nd. With my first daughter I pushed for 2 hours. With this labor I was done in about 5 pushes thankfully!
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Trust yourself and your body. Don't let people scare you or tell you that you're crazy for wanting a natural delivery! You can do it!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Laboring in the shower, deep breathing and humming. I also had my husband squeeze a pressure point in my hand. The webbing between the thumb and index finger are supposed to help with labor pains.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I delivered semi- reclined in the hospital bed.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Amazing! To finally see her face and hold her was wonderful. She really kept us waiting, so there was definitely more anticipation built up around her arrival.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Trust yourself and your body. Don't let people scare you or tell you that you're crazy for wanting a natural delivery! You can do it!
