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When did you realize you were really in labor?
Beginning at midnight, I was having consistent contractions that never intensified, they were just slightly uncomfortable. They were 10 minutes apart until 3am when they shortened to 15-20 minutes apart so I thought it was false labor again. My water broke at 5:15am. Immediately the contractions were 1-2 minutes apart and I KNEW I had to RUSH to the hospital.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Fear of the unknown. Could I really do this? I had no other option.
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heidi
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Mentally prepared myself every single day for a natural childbirth. I reminded myself every day of my pregnancy WHY I was going "natural" and that I absolutely COULD do it. I was giving it all to God and praying he would give me all the strength I needed.
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What surprised you about your birth?
That I was 9.5 cm dilated immediately entering the hospital. There wasn't a chance to receive any medication, even if I had changed my mind. Once I got to the hospital I delivered her 30 minutes later.
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Mentally prepare yourself every day for it! Every thing I read in my natural birthing books went out the window once the pain was unbearable, I forgot everything, nothing mattered. The only thing left was my faith and mental strength. That's why I think praying and/or mentally preparing during your pregnancy is the most important part.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
I focused on breathing throughout every contraction before my water broke. I was completely relaxed laying in my bed, in the dark for 5 hours during contractions, almost like I was meditating. I was lucky that once my water broke I delivered her 1.5 hours later. My contractions were only painful once I had the urge to push, a total of 30 minutes. I say "pain", because I don't know another word to use. During the pushing phase, each contraction felt like a HUGE wave of pressure throughout my body, trying to push her out on its own. Every single muscle in my body was tightened. When I did push it was relief, not pain and when she crowned and I pushed her head out, it didn't "hurt", I didn't feel a ring of fire either, it was like pressure was relieved and it was amazing.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Hands and knees on the hospital bed. I couldn't even imagine birthing on my back during that moment. It seemed like that position would intensify the pain. During each contraction during the pushing phase, I would scream and was afraid to push thinking that it would hurt more. The first time I actually pushed was when the nurse told me to stop screaming and use that energy to push the baby out, and the next contraction she came out right away!
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
I could not believe I actually did it! It was amazing. She was beautiful and calm despite all of the intensity just moments before.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Mentally prepare yourself every day for it! Every thing I read in my natural birthing books went out the window once the pain was unbearable, I forgot everything, nothing mattered. The only thing left was my faith and mental strength. That's why I think praying and/or mentally preparing during your pregnancy is the most important part.
