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When did you realize you were really in labor?
My water broke and surges began within 30 minutes
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Honestly, in my situation, I think any drugs would've been more challenging for me. I was a bit scared of the drugs, but not the birth.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I tried to prepare in every way I could, but the most helpful was taking a wonderful, evidence-based birth class and taking full advantage of Spinning Babies techniques daily to encourage an optimal position.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I was shocked at how long the pushing phase was. It felt like an hour, but it was 3.5 hours.
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Your provider can make a huge difference. The options they give you, the way they talk to you, their protocols (my water broke first and my previous provider would've had me come in immediately to start pitocin), if all of your values and priorities are a match, how patient they are, and if they react to circumstance with fear or confidence in you.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Focusing on my breath kept. I also thought about my dog who we had to put to sleep exactly one month prior. I thought about how that was real pain, and this "pain" was just how it felt as my body worked to push my baby out.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I was laying on my right side with my leg slightly raised. Initially my legs had been more spread apart, but I just couldn't get her out. Once I closed my legs (which in turn opens the outlet of the pelvis), I pushed her out.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Absolutely surreal. I'm pretty sure I was in shock for a minute, then it was the greatest high I've ever felt.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Your provider can make a huge difference. The options they give you, the way they talk to you, their protocols (my water broke first and my previous provider would've had me come in immediately to start pitocin), if all of your values and priorities are a match, how patient they are, and if they react to circumstance with fear or confidence in you. Some of this you won't know until you give birth, so set yourself up for success with the best match you can find. Listen to your gut feelings. And when you think of all of your priorities, narrow that down to your top three, then your number one. Know what that one thing is before labor. It says a lot about who you are.
