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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I went to the hospital at 2am with cramping pain and bleeding. The nurses told me until about 5am that I would be going back home since contractions were irregular. I knew I was in true labor when the doctor came in around 6am and said "looks like you are having a baby today!"
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I experienced a placental abruption at 36 weeks. I was not allowed to leave the bed because of the blood loss I was having. The hardest part was not being able to follow my body's cues. I just wanted to move! They did let me turn around in the bed and squat with the back of the bed for support. That was a painful yet welcomed change in the labor.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
My husband and I took a natural birthing class. We also practiced "contractions" at home by holding ice cubes in my palms and using deep breathing techniques. The most important prep was a ton of prayers! I knew God made my body to do this and he would help me through it.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How fast it went! Like I said above, they didn't think I was in labor until around 6 am. Baby girl was born at 8:02. As a result of the abruption, it was a fast and furious labor!
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I couldn't believe she was here so fast! I couldn't believe I had actually achieved my goal of a natural birth even during a traumatic situation with only the aid of an oxygen mask.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Deep moaning and choosing a focal point. My focus happened to be on the air coming in from an oxygen mask they gave me. My blood loss made me quite dizzy and that was my way of assuring myself I was breathing!
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On the hospital bed
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Very surreal! My doctor said "open your eyes and look at your baby coming out!" I couldn't believe she was here so fast! I couldn't believe I had actually achieved my goal of a natural birth even during a traumatic situation with only the aid of an oxygen mask.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Make sure your birth partner knows the reasons you want to go natural. You never know how your story may go. Mine was nothing like what we prepared or planned for, so I was ready to abandon my goal. My husband was there reminding me why I chose to go natural and that got my focus right back on track!
