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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I had to be induced at 39 weeks 4 days due to hypertension. The plan was to insert Cervadil overnight to soften my cervix and then start Pitocin in the morning. At around 3 a.m. I realized the Cervadil had put me into labor when I could no longer sleep through contractions. By morning I was contracting about 3-4 minutes apart without any Pitocin!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Full disclaimer: I did not go totally natural. I had an epidural placed when I was about 6-7 cm dilated, after laboring naturally for over 10 hours. My epidural was very light, however, and I had full feeling and movement in my lower body. This was helpful because I almost immediately started to feel an insane urge to push, but the doctor said I had to hold back because a tiny lip of cervix still remained. I spent the next two hours laboring in different positions and using every breathing technique I knew to fight through that crazy pressure that came with every contraction, 1-2 minutes apart, which the epidural did nothing to relieve. It was one of the most challenging things I have ever endured!
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I did a lot of reading! I read the hypnobirthing book and practiced some of the breathing and visualization exercises in it. I read articles on sites like Mama Natural and looked up tons of positive birth stories and videos all over the internet. I listened to affirmations and meditated on the type of birth I wanted to have.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I was surprised by how good I felt afterwards. My first baby's birth was pretty traumatic and this one was so different. I felt empowered and energized and immediately bonded with my baby.
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Definitely believe in the power of positive thinking and build your confidence by reading the stories of other mamas who have had an experience that you want to emulate. I think natural birth videos are also amazing to watch (though I realize they're not for everyone!).
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
I did a lot of slow breathing and visualized my breath filling up a balloon on the exhale. I also had my husband apply counter pressure to my lower back, and use soft touch massage to relax me between contractions. I also found it helpful during the most intense parts of my labor to use low vocalization to keep my breath steady.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I delivered on my back with my feet in stirrups.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It felt incredible. She was covered in vernix caseosa and just so alert and beautiful.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Definitely believe in the power of positive thinking and build your confidence by reading the stories of other mamas who have had an experience that you want to emulate. I think natural birth videos are also amazing to watch (though I realize they're not for everyone!).
