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When did you realize you were really in labor?
11:00 Sunday night. The contractions were consistently getting stronger and closer together. And they were more localized to my cervix and low back.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The pain! It was impossible to get comfortable and just when I would relax another contraction would start.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I researched different positions for birthing and pain management so I had ideas when my body got tired of what I was currently doing. My husband and I also talked a lot about what I might need from him during labor so he would know how to best help me. He was a rockstar!
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What surprised you about your birth?
How long pushing would take! My daughter had her hand/elbow up by her face and it made transition take much longer than it should have. But I did it and we have a beautiful healthy baby girl!
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Like my midwife said, "There is nothing I can say that can really prepare you for labor/birth. But there is also nothing I can say that can prepare you for how it feels to hold your baby for the first time."
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Breathing! Focusing on my breath through contractions took most of the edge off. I also loved being in warm water - it took so much pressure off my lower body during each contraction.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On my back in a birthing tub.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It was completely overwhelming! We didn't find out what we were having before hand so when my husband pulled her out of the water and said "it's a girl!" I just started bawling! Having her in my arms was the best reward for all that hard work. Labor was so hard and I was so proud of myself for fighting through it.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
I was surprised at how your body really does just take over! If you can focus was on relaxing and trying not to get in your body's way, you will be just fine. Like my midwife said, "There is nothing I can say that can really prepare you for labor/birth. But there is also nothing I can say that can prepare you for how it feels to hold your baby for the first time."
