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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I realized I was in labor when what I thought were "gas pains” were happening at consistent intervals!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Thankfully I was surrounded by people who were extremely supportive of my decision to go unmedicated. Growing up I heard my mom tell my birth story of how she did it, and I always had in my mind that I would strive to have a natural birth. The hardest part was dealing with the “what if’s” in my mind.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I did a lot to prepare physically and mentally. I think the mental preparation was huge. While in labor I did a lot of visualization of my body opening up for my baby to come out! I also think the red raspberry leaf tea really helped tone my uterus. I was barely feeling pain even in transition!
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What surprised you about your birth?
I was surprised that it wasn’t more painful. I kept waiting for it to get unbearable but it never did. It was definitely intense physically and mentally, but painful is the last word I’d use to describe it. One of the first things I said after delivery was, “that was fun!”
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Water!! I spent a lot of time in the shower with warm water on my back. I spent transition in the tub and the warm water was like a natural epidural!
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
I was in labor lala land and the magic of holding my baby didn’t really hit me until about an hour after I delivered. My body and mind were stunned from what just happened! The whole day was just absolutely magical.
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What did you name your baby, and why?
We named her Alice Joy. My husband and I love old, classy names. We chose Joy because she had brought us so much unexpected joy!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Prepare, prepare, prepare!!
