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When did you realize you were really in labor?
At 1:40 AM when my water broke. Only had been asleep 30 minutes because we stayed up late watching movies (a rare occurance during my pregnancy)
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
This is a tough one because it felt so right all around! People were supportive and we had a great group of midwives. The most challenging thing was facing fears about labor during pregnancy.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Reading a couple books filled with birth stories, mama natural class, youtube videos, understanding all thats happening in the body. Tons of water and yoga!!!
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What surprised you about your birth?
That is happened so quick that the midwife wasnt even there yet to deliver the baby! We think she didnt totally believe it was happening that quick either. (5 hour labor)
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If you *want* to go natural- trust yourself and your inclinations. Be honest and open about your fears after you make the commitment. Its good to get them out on the table and not keep them brewing in your subconsious. Know that its totally doable! Ultimately we are animals that were made for this.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Keeping my mind clear and staying positive. Also having my partner close by. At one point when things started getting more intense he was walking around kind of aimlessly. I called him to me and that shifted the pain sensation to have him energetically present.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Sitting on a toilet and using the towel rack next to me to bare down on!
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It felt familiar! It was amazing to me that she smelled so good straight from my body. I always cried watching other peoples birth videos but somehow was nowhere near crying for my babies birth! I felt extremely grounded. It was a very primal experience.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
If you *want* to go natural- trust yourself and your inclinations. Be honest and open about your fears after you make the commitment. Its good to get them out on the table and not keep them brewing in your subconsious. Know that its totally doable! Ultimately we are animals that were made for this.
