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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I woke up in the morning and during my rising ritual I noticed mucus plug on the toilet paper. The surges/contractions were very intense compared to Braxton Hicks, I remember laughing and talking to my baby saying "are you coming today? if you're ready, i'm ready". That sense of surrender let me know that it was real labor.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I think all birth is natural, but the most challenging thing about having a drug-free birth was the work I did to release my fear, about birthing, during my pregnancy. I studied Hypnobirthing and worked with a hypnotherapist to process the birth trauma from my first son.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Hypnobirthing! And listening to positive birth affirmations every morning and talking to others about drug-free birth to confirm in my spirit that it is possible.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I was most surprised by the wisdom of my body, it did take over. I did not have to DO anything, I just had to BE present and breathe.
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Your birth will be natural(even if interventions are needed to save you or your baby), know it. Your body is capable, believe it.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
To not think of the sensations as pain! I chose to receive the sensations as pressure and I was not afraid because my knowledge of what was physically happening gave me power.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Standing.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
I was in shock, it was electiric, magnetic, charged.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Your birth will be natural(even if interventions are needed to save you or your baby), know it. Your body is capable, believe it.
