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When did you realize you were really in labor?
4 a.m. the day of delivery.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The ring of fire!
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I promised myself no matter what I wouldn't be upset or let down regardless of what "type" of birth I had. I watched every video I possibly could of women delivering naturally and used and tried different techniques until I found which ones worked for me. The birthing ball was my favorite.
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What surprised you about your birth?
The recover of natural vs epidural birth. My first I had an epidural and a very similar time, delivery, etc. I felt MISERABLE after. With my second, going natural, I felt amazing, so much easier of a recovery, I even walked from my delivery room to my postpartum room!
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Go with the flow, things will go different then what you plan. I'm a type A personality and I let that go, just for a day. Remember every contraction not only is bringing your baby closer to your arms but they all end. Just focus on that. And, know that your body knows what to do, listen to it! Don't shy away from the contractions, the worse you tighten up the worse the "pain" is. The more you relax and breathe through the contractions the better it feels.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
The birthing ball, walking/standing, swaying through contractions, keeping my mind "busy", and when my husband massaged my back.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
The standard on back, knees pulled back, chin to chest.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
There are no words for that feeling. The emotions are indescribable. Nothing compares to that feeling of love you have for your baby you just birthed, and the love you feel for your spouse at that moment.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Go with the flow, things will go different then what you plan. I'm a type A personality and I let that go, just for a day. Remember every contraction not only is bringing your baby closer to your arms but they all end. Just focus on that. And, know that your body knows what to do, listen to it! Don't shy away from the contractions, the worse you tighten up the worse the "pain" is. The more you relax and breathe through the contractions the better it feels.
