-
When did you realize you were really in labor?
I had my first "real" contraction at 10pm, my mucus plug had fallen out 2 hours prior, and at around 9am the following morning when I was still having the contractions consistently (about every 30 minutes) I thought I might really be in labor.
-
What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The back pain and this being my first pregnancy I didn't know what to expect... how much more painful the contractions would become and when they were ever going to end.
-
IMG_3323
-
What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Have a doula! I also drank red raspberry leaf tea every day and ate 6 dates per day for the last 6 weeks of my pregnancy.
-
What surprised you about your birth?
How easy the actual pushing part was and how amazing it was to see my daughter for the first time.
-
You can do it!! I did it with no pain meds what so ever! Just stay positive and keep breathing! Literally have someone reminding you to breath through each contraction, because you'll probably be holding your breath! And get a doula!
-
What pain relief strategies worked best?
In the beginning I had a rice filled sock that my husband would heat in the microwave and hold on my back during a contraction (I had back labor). Also, I got into a hot bath a few times and that was a nice pain relief. At the end of my labor the only pain relief that worked was my husband or doula pushing as hard as they could on my hips (basically squeezing my hips together) during every single contraction for about 3 hours when they were about 5 to 2 minutes apart. That was major relief when the contractions were at their worst. And, not laying down, ever! Laying down made the contractions much more intense.
-
What position did you end up delivering in?
Back
-
How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Amazing. The best feeling in the world.
-
What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
You can do it!! I did it with no pain meds what so ever! Just stay positive and keep breathing! Literally have someone reminding you to breath through each contraction, because you'll probably be holding your breath! And get a doula!
