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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I was eight days overdue with my fifth baby (typical for me) and opted to go in to have my water broken by my OB. Unfortunately, that did NOT kickstart labor as in the past, so after a few hours, I agreed to a minimal dose of pitocin to move things along. I was afraid of intense contractions and being unable to move around, but once the contractions got going, my body took over and I was able to stay on my birth ball and breathe through each wave.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I was fearful of being in a hospital environment and being subject to their protocol (it's not known for many natural births). But my husband and doula were fantastic and I got very lucky with my nurse being someone who had three natural births of her own!
Because it was my fifth, I went from 5cm to delivery in about 45 minutes, so it was a bit of a runaway train at the end! They were going to check my dilation and I just started pushing! Two pushes later, Celeste was born at 9lbs, 10oz!
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I spent months preparing mentally for a natural childbirth. My first two births were unmedicated, so I knew what to expect. I did daily meditation, relaxation, and listened to positive birth affirmations. I read birth stories and watched videos (although that got too stressful at the end!). I read Ina May Gaskin books and Birthing from Within. I spent the last month on my birth ball in the evenings because it was the only comfortable seating! I really worked on the mental aspect of preparation because I knew my body would take over and know exactly what to do in the moment. And it did!
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What surprised you about your birth?
I was surprised that breaking my water didn't start my labor. And then I was surprised at how fast transition was and that even the doctor was not prepared when my daughter was crowning! Once the pushing starts, there's no stopping! I really bought into my beliefs about being able to endure labor and I had a great support team. I was able to have the birth I wanted, even in a hospital not at all known for natural births.
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Commit to the method. Don't focus too much on the potential pain. Your body knows how to deliver a baby! And keep your plans flexible. The more rigid you are, the more likely you are to be disappointed. I made brownies for the nurses with a funny note about wanting to avoid an epidural and asking for their help in that (even if it meant not being assigned to me!) but noting that I was flexible. They really appreciated that and were on board to help me. Just know that you can do it. And hire a doula!!!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Deep breathing, rocking on the birth ball, visualization and surrender to the cervix opening. I also remember flapping my lips a lot when exhaling and vocalizing nice and low, almost singing really!
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I was actually flat on my back because the doctor was just going to check my cervix! And two pushes and out she came! I remember the nurse telling me to hold behind my knees, and I said I can't even reach behind my knees because I wasn't sitting up!
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It's always bliss. My big baby latched on immediately and started nursing. It was very euphoric after having such a positive birth experience.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Commit to the method. Don't focus too much on the potential pain. Your body knows how to deliver a baby! And keep your plans flexible. The more rigid you are, the more likely you are to be disappointed. I made brownies for the nurses with a funny note about wanting to avoid an epidural and asking for their help in that (even if it meant not being assigned to me!) but noting that I was flexible. They really appreciated that and were on board to help me. Just know that you can do it. And hire a doula!!!
