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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I suspected I was in labor around dinner time the night before due to some regular contractions and pink discharge. I realized I was in labor for certain when I woke up in the middle of the night and needed to bounce on the ball or have my hips squeezed during contractions that were coming every 5-8 minutes. I was so relieved and emotional because I had an induction scheduled the next day at 41 weeks and 6 days.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
It was mentally challenging because I had already done it with my first baby and knew it was hard. I mentally did not want to push the baby out due to fear of the pain again.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I didn’t do anything special this time except sitting on an exercise ball starting after 38 weeks while working, rather than on a regular chair. I also walked almost daily.
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What surprised you about your birth?
Labor was much faster the second time around. You think you’re only going to be 3 or 4 cm when you arrive to the hospital and your are 8 cm! The contractions were just very efficient. I also preferred laying down (with both my labors) once the transition hit. My husband pressed on my hip on one side while I laid on my other side and that helped him not to get exhausted and was still effective like hip squeezes. I also don’t remember a lot of back pain but my baby ended up being straight OP! Finally, pushing the baby out didn’t hurt as bad this time because once he was crowning, he was literally almost out and the pain is much briefer, mercifully.
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Just stand up for yourself and say things confidently. Be aware of best practices in pregnancy and labor and don’t fight on those.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Hip squeezes and nitrous oxide to aid with deep breathing and relaxation during transition.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Amazing! I was so proud of myself for pushing him out and also just amazed that he finally had come at 41 weeks 6 days! He was the best reward!
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What did you name your baby, and why?
Silas because of its strong biblical heritage and just liked the way it sounded with our last name!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Pick a doctor or provider who will allow things to go naturally when possible. My doc let me go to almost 42 weeks and also respected me when I said I didn’t want my water broken at 8 cm. I was complete an hour later and let her break my water then. Just stand up for yourself and say things confidently. Be aware of best practices in pregnancy and labor and don’t fight on those. My pregnancies and labors have been textbook, so I’m thankful I haven’t had to compromise my desires to follow a more medical approach to labor and birth.
