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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I suspected I was in labor when contractions were 5 minutes apart, but had had a few days of false labor so didn't know for sure that this was it until my midwife checked!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Handling the out-of-control feeling during transition.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Set a plan in place for calling my birth team and arranging childcare, this helped me relax knowing when and where help would arrive... Once labor started, things moved very fast so knowing who to quickly call was a good thing!
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What surprised you about your birth?
How intense a fast labor can be. I felt somewhat taken off guard and had a harder time coping than with my two longer labors. I did not feel exhausted afterwards, though, which was a plus! I was also taken aback that the after pains for this third birth were worse than actual labor contractions - ouch!
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Euphoric! I felt confident as her mother and so thankful she had finally arrived, after the long months of pregnancy and last few weeks of prodromal labor I was so ready to meet her!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
I didn't have a chance to get into the birthing tub until five minutes before baby was born, but from experience water definitely helps me relax and embrace the contractions.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On my hands and knees.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Euphoric! I felt confident as her mother and so thankful she had finally arrived, after the long months of pregnancy and last few weeks of prodromal labor I was so ready to meet her!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Believe that your body was created to do this. Fill your 'toolbox' with knowledge, pain management techniques, a supportive birth team, and then be open to using whatever helps the most in your situation. Each birth experience is so different! Remember that the pain is temporary, and soon you will hold your baby!
