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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I went to use the bathroom at 11 the night before my due date and when I stood up from the toilet my water broke.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The fact that I wasn't in as good shape physically as I was with my first. My labor was only 6 hours this time (compared to a little over 13 the first time) and my legs were shaking so badly just from kneeling/hands and knees position, which wasn't an issue with my first labor.
But I learned my lesson and next time will be motivated to keep up the exercise. My husband kept praying over me and asking the Lord to give me strength through it all.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Prayed. We had a scare when I was about 20 weeks along. My midwife sent us for blood work and an ultrasound because she suspected IUGR and I was so worried and felt like it was out of my hands (which it was) so all I could do was pray. Turned out that our son was fine and I just didn't have the correct due date.
Also having the mindset that I was going natural no matter what. I was determined. My first was a home birth utilizing the Bradley Method and it was amazing, so I had that encouraging experience to relate to.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How much it hurt when he crowned! With my first, I pushed for two hours so the stretching/burning feeling was slow and steady and over a long period of time. He came out after 20 minutes of pushing and I was panicking a little bit because it hurt so bad and I thought I had a long way to go. Next time I think I would like a mirror set up so I can actually see my progress.
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Contractions are not something to fought against, as it increases the pain and decreases the efficiency of them. Relax and let your amazing uterus do its work. Eat well! Eat nourishing and whole foods every day.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
The hot shower was number 1, but also relaxing and breathing deeply and my husband massaging my feet.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Sitting semi reclined on the bed with my knees pulled back.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Surreal. I was in a bit of a shock because I couldn't believe I was already done pushing and because of the fact that he was a boy! But it was a wonderful moment. My husband was grinning ear to ear and whispered to me, "I wanted it to be a boy because I knew you wanted one."
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Research, research and more research! Read natural childbirth books, take a class (I love the Bradley Method), talk to other moms, find some good blogs (like MamaNatural! ?) and even YouTube.
Contractions are not something to fought against, as it increases the pain and decreases the efficiency of them. Relax and let your amazing uterus do its work.
Eat well! Eat nourishing and whole foods every day.
And sleep. This was something I struggled with between having a toddler and insomnia later on in the pregnancy.
And have people that support you. I had an amazing midwife (seriously, we know God sent her to us) and an incredible husband who was with me all the way.
