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When did you realize you were really in labor?
My midwife had to break my water in order to induce labor. I was 3 days overdue and my waters were low. She felt it was no longer safe to keep baby inside. About an hour afterwards my contractions began to get stronger and consistent and that was when I knew it had worked and I was in active labor.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The intensity of the contractions. In the beginning it is manageable, but after about 6 cm on through transitioning it was so intense that I seriously considered throwing in the towel.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I prepared for childbirth using Hypno-birthing and it was my saving grace during labor. The ability to stay calm and breath through each contraction gave me the strength and ability to make it through to the end. We also brought and listened to the sound of ocean waves which really helped me say at peace during labor.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I was surprised that it only took me three pushes to push my son out. With my first child, I had an epidural and pushed for three hours! With my second, I was all natural and pushed for about 30 minutes. But this time pushing was only about five to ten minutes and he was out. A great surprise!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
I practiced Hypno-birthing to manage my pain during labor and I was able to stay calm and relaxed throughout. In my opinion the ability to stay relaxed is key to pain management, if I let my body tense up during a contraction it was 10 times as painful as when I stayed relaxed and breathed through them. It was so effective for me during this birth that my midwife kept asking my husband if I was asleep. Believe me, I was NOT asleep, just in the zone!
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I labored and delivered laying on my side in the bed. During labor I alternated sides but ended up delivering laying on my right side.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It was amazing! My husband was able to hand him up to my chest and the moment I saw him I just lost it! But I was only half crying for my baby, I was also crying because I was so glad childbirth was over!! It is called labor for a reason! But the end result, that beautiful baby on your chest, totally worth every contraction!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
My advice would be to do your research on pain management strategies and make sure you have a plan. Whichever method you choose, remember to stay relaxed and let your body and baby do what they were made to do. Sometimes we just need to get out of the way and let the natural process take place. And one piece of advice that really helped me through was an affirmation I read that said, "The power and intensity of my contractions cannot be stronger than me, because it is me." From http://desertbirthandwellness.com/pregnancy-and-birth-affirmations/
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How did the Mama Natural Birth Class help you in your childbirth?
It was amazing! My husband was able to hand him up to my chest and the moment I saw him I just lost it! But I was only half crying for my baby, I was also crying because I was so glad childbirth was over!! It is called labor for a reason! But the end result, that beautiful baby on your chest, totally worth every contraction!
