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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I was going through early labor for a long time. Like I was 3 centimeters for close to a month. So they induced me on my due date and I never felt full on contractions before. With my first child I had an epidural, but I wasn't comfortable with that this time around. So the first few hrs I thought the humming phase was as bad as the pain could get. But like 4 hrs in and at 5 centimeters I realized I was so wrong! The pain was so intense I understand why they say delivery is the closes to death you will ever get without dying. I was in so much pain I still can't believe I made it through.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
How swift and painful the contractions were. I literally only had maybe a min or so od break time before the contractions would come back. And they were indescribable and I was beginning to regret not getting and epidural. But I knew there was no way to do it successfully now. So even when they offered it again I said no, knowing I wouldn't be able to stay still for the procedure. I was on my own.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Honestly I didn't prepare for childbirth. With my son I had an epidural early on and never really experienced the ups and downs that come with childbirth. So this time around I was ready for a medicated birth. But feeling those pains was a whole new experience. I felt like this was first delivery. But I had my husband with me which was a blessing. I wouldn't have been able to deliver my daughter by myself and I'm so grateful he was there.
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What surprised you about your birth?
Honestly how I was able to deliver a baby without an epidural and actually be happy I experienced both a natural and medicated brush. Despite the horrific pain that came with a natural delivery, I also felt liberated by the experience. Like wow the female body is so powerful and you are powerful for being able not only bring a baby into the world but through so much pain and difficulty. I don't plan to have anymore kids but I am grateful to had experienced so a delivery. It was tough yes, but I never felt more close to my children after going through that. I feel like I grew an even deeper bond for both of them and I am very happy about that.
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People will try and tell you whats best for you but only you know the answer to that. So stick with your guns and do what you feel is best for you and your baby. And also know you have the right to change your mind at anytime.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
I would say epidural was the best for me in my first delivery and probably would of been welcome with this one. Having no meds is hard to do, and If you can't take pain I would never tell a woman go without meds. It's liberating yes, but in a one time I don't ever want to go through that again kind of feeling! Lol For me I like epidural the best overall.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
In my back with legs in this weird upward position. I didn't know I had options! Lol if I did I may have chose another position because it was effective but felt really weird and I probably would of sat up more and took a lot of needed pressure off my back.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Unfortunately because of her weight being a little under and her temperature too low, I only got to do skin to skin contact and only briefly. They rushed her to ICU to try to regulate her temperature and sugar level. I was heartbroken and didnt get to freely hold her until the day we were to leave. Three days I didnt get to hold my daughter. So when I finally got to hold her in my arms I felt protective. Like okay thanks but I will take care of her now back up. I wanted to hold her forever.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
To remember it is your choice what you want to do. Not the doctors, your moma boyfriend, husband, friends nobody just yours. People will try and tell you whats best for you but only you know the answer to that. So stick with your guns and do what you feel is best for you and your baby. And also know you have the right to change your mind at anytime. I know people can shame people for going the med route. But again do what is right for you. You are the only one who has to push in the end...so deliver on your terms. And good luck to you :)
