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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I was induced with Pitocin only at 41 weeks and 5 days (No epidural or other pain meds, except for 2 contractions worth of nitrous oxide). The contractions started coming after just a few minutes of starting Pit, but they were very mild in the beginning, like period cramps!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Probably the most difficult part was coming to terms with induction in the two days before the birth. We finally decided induction was the best decision for baby's health and didn't want to risk the potential complications of giving birth after 42 weeks. This was hard because I had done a lot of research and had strong convictions to go totally natural. Thus, I had a lot of sadness, frustration, and self-doubt in having to give up my plan for the "perfect" birth. However, in hindsight, the process of surrendering control was the best thing, and I ended up loving my birth experience!
The second most difficult part was pushing. WOAH it was tough! But I felt so accomplished once it was over!
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Anastasia_newborn
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
MENTAL and SPIRITUAL preparation was paramount. I listened to the "Christian Hypnobirthing" tracks frequently (as well as during labor) and practiced deep breathing. I prayed for trust in Jesus and the Holy Spirit, and I prayed that God would take away any and all fears of childbirth and pain and give me confidence in Him. I also ate a lot of dates and drank a lot of red raspberry leaf tea, which I think helped the birth be so fast.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How fast it was and how manageable the pain of contractions was! For some reason, I had it in my head that the average labor takes 15-17 hours for first-time moms, and mine was complete from start to finish in just under 12 hours. However, for much more than half of that, contractions, while intense, were not at all painful.
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It is totally possible to still have a natural birth without pain medications! Trust in God and surrender to His will.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
1) Listening to the "Christian Hypnobirthing" tracks on large headphones and praying during labor, along with meditating with my crucifix and image of Divine Mercy Jesus.
2) Happy, positive encouragement from my husband, doula, and nurses; especially their reminders to relax my muscles and breathe deeply.
3) Counter-pressure on my hips and massage on my shoulders from my husband. Also gentle, kind words and stories from my husband helped distract me.
4) Staying active during labor; walking, standing, using a birth ball, and overall allowing gravity to help bring baby down. I was grateful I was able to be pretty mobile, even though I was attached to monitors and had a continuous IV.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It was the greatest gift I've ever been given and I was overwhelmed with gratitude. I felt an instant attachment and bond to her; an overwhelming desire to hold her tenderly and never let go.
Also, I was almost in disbelief and incredibly relieved that pushing had ended!
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What did you name your baby, and why?
Anastasia Marie. We're Catholic Christians and Anastasia means "resurrection" in Greek, so her name is our way of giving thanks to God for the power of His resurrection in our lives! Marie is meant to honor Jesus' mother Mary. I'm confident that she was working hard to protect us during my pregnancy and labor!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
For mamas who need to be induced, I want to encourage you that it is totally possible to still have a natural birth without pain medications! Trust in God and surrender to His will. If you've been baptized, the Holy Spirit WILL give you the strength to endure! Be sure to have a strong system of supportive people who will be with you the entire time. I was nervous when I first started to consider natural childbirth because I'm not particularly athletic, but I learned that natural childbirth is possible for any woman as long as she has a supportive and loving community.
(Also, if your doctor wants to induce you, be sure to ask them your Bishop score and make sure it's for a medically necessary reason.)
