-
When did you realize you were really in labor?
Labor started off pretty strong around 10:30 on a Tuesday night. It was the day after my due date.
-
What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging thing about going natural was learning to embrace and manage the contractions instead of tensing up and losing control. I was really discouraged when the doctor said I was only 5cm dilated when I was admitted because I had been sure I was really close to delivery time and labor was really intense at that point. In retrospect, I think her estimate must have been off because we were fully dilated and ready to go less than half an hour later.
-
image38
-
What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
The thing that prepared me most was listening to stories from experienced moms about natural labor and trusting your body and it's capabilities.
-
What surprised you about your birth?
The speed of this birth surprised me most. My first labor was 34 hours. And this one was 9, start to finish. I had been faithful to drink red raspberry leaf tea throughout the second half of this pregnancy and it made such a difference. My body, especially my uterus, were in much better shape to deliver this time. I didn't have to consciously push until the baby had already crowned and I felt like I could clean house or go for a walk within hours of having our baby this time.
-
Understand that natural birth is more a mind game than anything else. You have to manage your labor and not lose control. Stay on top of it, trust your body, and know that you can do it.
-
What pain relief strategies worked best?
Moving through contractions was key for me. Swaying, figure eights with my hips, walking...anything to keep from tensing up and wasting the contraction. It really relieved a lot of the tension.
-
What position did you end up delivering in?
I delivered on my side. No nurses hiking up my knees this time and no directed pushing. Just taking cues from my body and being careful to keep my pelvic floor relaxed for baby's descent.
-
How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It was awesome to hold him after going through labor and delivery together. He was feisty and alert and it was so special to cuddle him and know what we had just accomplished together.
-
What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Understand that natural birth is more a mind game than anything else. You have to manage your labor and not lose control. Stay on top of it, trust your body, and know that you can do it.
