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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I was induced because I was 9 days past my due date. Contractions started after 2 doses of Cytotec and it was a steady climb in intensity from the start. My contractions were about 2 min apart on average.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
This was my 3rd child, but my first unmedicated delivery. I was nervous that after all of my mental and physical preparation to labor unmedicated, I wouldn't be able to do it without an epidural.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
There were so many helpful things! I continued to work out (barbell weightlifting) through my pregnancy (until my 3rd trimester when I was just too tired). I believe that was a huge contributor to my strength in labor and also my recovery. I also listened to Christian hypnobirthing tracks to fall asleep in the weeks leading up to birth. I had them playing while laboring, but wasn't actively listening. I also had a wonderful support system in my friends and especially my husband who coached me through the whole thing! We did the mama natural class together and that helped him know how to support me.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I was surprised by how intense the labor was. I felt disoriented during the end of active labor and through the transition. In the moment of it, I wasn't able to discern that I was moving through the transition. And then I was surprised by how quickly my little girl arrived! I didn't even need to push, she just came out! One minute I was laboring in the tub. The next I was laying on my side in the bed and with the next contraction, she was born!
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You can do it! And it is so worth it.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Low moaning and complete surrender. Intentionally relax every muscle in my body during contractions, which is quite difficult to do near the end. My husband also pressed on the pressure point in between my thumb and forefinger. That gave my mind something to focus on while actively relaxing every muscle. If I tensed during the contractions, they were so much more painful. A few times during transition, I was overcome by it and tensed up and the pain was worse. The hypnobirthing tracks helped to train my mind and body in the weeks before labor.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
I was a bit in shock actually. It was over, after what felt like forever, but was really only 8 hours total. It took me a few minutes to "gather" my brains to be able to engage with our sweet little girl. I was so happy and relieved that I had made it to the end!
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What did you name your baby, and why?
We named her Emmalyne Jean. Grandmother's on both sides of our family with the name Jean.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
If you want to go unmedicated, prepare and set your mind to it. If you choose to go into it undecided, you will be easily swayed to give in to the pain. I told myself an epidural was only an option if complications happened. You can do it! And it is so worth it. But, if you choose medication (I did twice previously), don't shame yourself. You still had a baby! Which is one of the greatest accomplishments. Either way, rejoice in God's blessing to you of a sweet child and don't dwell on or regret anything. Once baby arrives, your mind will need to quickly move on to being a mama!
