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When did you realize you were really in labor?
We had gone to bed early and I was timing surges while my partner slept. They became regular at 5 minute intervals and after about 5 or 6 I woke my partner and told him to call the midwife.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The local Nhs had removed consultants from My local hospital which meant that should my home birth not go to plan and I need to transfer I would have had an hours transfer by ambulance to the nearest consultant led hospital. This made the decision for a home birth much harder as we felt the consequences were much greater if it didn't go as planned
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
We receuited an independent midwife who gave me and my partner the support we needed through amazing continuity of care. She built the trust that we needed to feel confident in birthing at home and making the decisions we wanted to.
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What surprised you about your birth?
The natural high of oxytocin rushing through my veins. It felt incredible!
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Read. Prepare yourself mentally by reading about both, seeing photos and both stories to reinforce the positive possibilities of birth not the hyped over medicalised fear mongered stories of birth. Avoid negative words such as painful or allowed and focus your energy in surrounding yourself with positive people who understand natural birth as well as positive affirmations and trust.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
I had read some of hypnobirthing but didn't really practice it. The birth pool was nice and calming but I think that knowledge and mental preparation were probably the best strategies.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
After a one kneeling squat didn't seem to work I leaned back from the squat and was supported by my partner.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Wonderful!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Read. Prepare yourself mentally by reading about both, seeing photos and both stories to reinforce the positive possibilities of birth not the hyped over medicalised fear mongered stories of birth. Avoid negative words such as painful or allowed and focus your energy in surrounding yourself with positive people who understand natural birth as well as positive affirmations and trust.
If you've spent more time researching the best pram or nursery colours than birth - you've got your priorities wrong!
