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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I was 40.3 weeks and trying to stay active. I had been having regular contractions, so my husband decided to stay home from work for the day. We had taken our 4 year-old out for breakfast and we were walking home and I felt an odd trickle. I spent the rest of the day trying to get labor going naturally, but finally went in later that night to see if my membranes had ruptured. They had!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I wasn't planning on needing pitocin. My oldest son was born at 39 weeks, and they had to break my water for me! I thought for sure I would go earlier this time. The funny thing was that the pitocin was actually ok - my midwives were wonderful and had a very reasonable, slow, protocol. The thing that challenged me the most was needing to stay hooked up to the monitors/IV.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I was in a supportive environment, and I had an awesome doula. With a wonderful team in place, I felt like I could let go and surrender. When it comes to childbirth (and parenting, in fact), I think the best thing you can do is bring the best of yourself and remember to stay flexible.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I was surprised that it really wasn't that painful! My doula said something great: "there's a huge difference between discomfort and suffering." I felt like I could relax knowing that there was indeed a distinction, and that nobody would expect me to suffer. The whole labor was really quite pleasant, I welcomed every contraction. It did get intense at the end, but we had come so far already, and I was excited to work through it.
The other major surprise: I had planned on being super active during my labor. Squatting, dancing, bouncing. However, I seemed to progress a lot better when I laid down and relaxed. I decided to let go of my ideas and listen to my body - and things progressed beautifully.
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I was overwhelmed with gratitude, and sky high with feel-good hormones. I couldn't believe that we had done it! Our boy was here, and he seemed so healthy and strong.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Hilariously enough, I really liked sitting on the toilet. I also liked the counter pressure on my back. At the very end of labor, I got in the whirlpool and that was a saving grace.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I started by using a birth stool. Then my midwife suggested that I move to the bed, as she felt it would be kinder to my nether-regions. I ended up giving birth on all fours and quickly flipped over for the final push.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
I was overwhelmed with gratitude, and sky high with feel-good hormones. I couldn't believe that we had done it! Our boy was here, and he seemed so healthy and strong.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
A supportive team is everything. As I wrote earlier, the most important part of the process is letting go and relaxing into the process. It's much easier to do if you feel like people are on your side. Do your research, and then prepare to let it all go and listen to your body. :) I also recommend making an awesome playlist - a good mix of songs that make you feel strong and songs that comfort you.
