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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I realized I was in labor after calling the advise nurse. My water had broke at 3 o'clock am so I had to call before actually going in. I was pretty scared and anxious at this point as it was 6 weeks early.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging thing was how fast everything was progressing. I knew I wanted to at least try going natural, but even if I had changed my mind I don't think there was even time for all that. I arrived at the hospital at 5 am, and was finally admitted and taken up by around 5:20 and I went from 5, 7, 9cm in what felt like 15 min.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I think what really helped me the most was all my walking and never allowing myself to take the elevator at work. I continued to take the stairs up until the day before I delivered. I wish I had been better about following a routine, but I also did some prenatal yoga via YouTube.
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What surprised you about your birth?
What surprised me the most was how fast it was. I was not expecting it at all; but was sooooo happy and lucky that it did. Majority of the time spent from the moment I was admitted was the nurses trying to figure out where to put me to deliver. There were NO rooms available and I kept telling them I had to push and NOW. I was wheeled into an operating room I would probably guess around 6:30 when the nurses began prepping me on labor and how to push (we were scheduled for a full one day intense Lamaze session the next day). I pushed when the nurse instructed and then released. She said ok now this time grab the back of your legs and go and release when you need to and wait for the next contraction to push again. Well I dunno if this was just me but that last push, I just kept pushing it was like I couldn't stop until he was out. And little Nikko was born at 6:42am.
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Your going to get a lot of advise, and you should take it all with a grain of salt. Every body and experience is different. You are strong, you can do this! You were made for this!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Deep breaths, talking it through with my husband, and trying to focus on one thing in the room. Also just allowing my body to go with the pain and not tense up.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On my back.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It was so real. I felt a thousands emotions. Scared and anxious because he was early and just wanted to make sure he was ok. Happy, excited, and proud that we had made it through together. He was early so I didn't get too much time before he had to go to NICU while I got stitched up (slight tear). He was on my chest for a brief moment and he immediately stopped crying. I got to touch him and it just felt amazing yet scary at the same time. A moment I will never forget and can still recall in my mind.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Your going to get a lot of advise, and you should take it all with a grain of salt. Every body and experience is different. I had people on one end in my corner telling me I could do it and that I could do it med free. While others urged me to consider meds. When they say breathing is key they really mean it. Don't let your mind psych you out into thinking you can't. You CAN. You are strong, you can do this! You were made for this!
