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When did you realize you were really in labor?
My body had been prepping itself for a couple of months with regular uncomfortable contractions that lasted for hours, so when the real pre-labour began I stayed in bed snoozing and didn't bother checking the time.
Eventually when they kept going and waking me more frequently I decided to get up and see if gravity would help get this baby out, as I was 8 days overdue.
I made myself a cup of tea, and pottered around for a while before deciding to time the contractions. To my surprise the first two were only 5 minutes apart, and the following two I timed were 3 minutes apart. That's when I realized my baby might be coming to join me that day.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I don't find going natural challenging. I've had three natural births, and have loved them all. I like the aspect of being in control of my mind and body, which gives me confidence in my body and allows me to let go and remain calm during labour.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Before birthing my first child I attended a Calm Birth course with my husband. This provided the most powerful tools that have made my births relaxed, empowering and enjoyable rather than scary and painful.
Before birth I think about what affirmations I will repeat to myself during labour, and practice slow meditative breathing focusing on the subtle sensations I feel as the air flows in and out of my nose and lungs.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I was surprised at the speed of labour and birth. Baby arrived only one and a half hours after I realized I was in labour.
As with all of my births, I was also surprised by the power of the mind, and how manageable birthing discomfort can be if you focus on what your body and baby are doing rather than feeling fear and pain.
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Learn about labour so you know what to expect your body to do. Then you can focus on the function of the discomfort you feel rather than the "pain".
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Breathing and mind control were my main pain relief strategies. Focusing either on calm, controlled meditative breathing or on the sensations I felt as my uterus contracted and cervix opened to allow baby to come and join me. I imagined baby and thought about how exciting it will be to meet her soon.
I also focused on remaining calm and avoiding any tension in my body. By releasing my muscles and relaxing, baby was able to make its way out easier, and the pain I felt was significantly lessened.
Once the birthing pool was ready, the warm water also provided pain relief.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I was on my hands and knees in the birthing pool.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
I can't put the emotions I felt into words. I had birthed the head and shoulders, and she was such a good size that the roles on her belly had her stuck. My midwife arrived at my home birth at that moment and told me she was ready to be pulled out. I reached down and gave a gentle tug to release her, and lifted her out of the water.
That moment was so unbelievably precious and powerful as a mother.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Preparation is the key.
Learn about labour so you know what to expect your body to do. Then you can focus on the function of the discomfort you feel rather than the "pain".
Practice calm meditative breathing so that it is second nature during labour.
Choose and write down the affirmations you will repeat to yourself during labour and even before that as birth becomes imminent.
Attend a natural birthing course with your birthing partner.
And, the most important preparation is to trust your body to birth your baby. Your body was designed to do this. Your role is to remain calm, relax your muscles, and allow your body and baby to work together to bring baby to you.
