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When did you realize you were really in labor?
My water broke at 4am on Thanksgiving morning. I knew it would be within 24 hours. Me and my partner Erik woke up and started preparing the house, for the home birth we were expecting.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging thing is the unknown. We were pretty hand off for the second half of the pregnancy, so it was sometimes difficult when other mamas had ultrasound pictures and knew an estimated weight of their babies. The anticipation was the hardest.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
The most helpful thing I did was educate myself by reading all of Ina May Gaskins books along with listening to podcasts on pregnancy, childbirth and beyond every day.
Another thing that I am so thankful I did was reduce the chaos in my life around me, I slowed down, allowing my mind and soul to accept and prepare for my new role as a mother.
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What surprised you about your birth?
The biggest surprise about my birth is it ended in a c-section at the hospital. After laboring at home in the birth pool, I had my midwife check me and I was 5cm dilated but my little man was breech. My midwife didn't feel comfortable with a breech extraction nor did I. We rushed to the hospital and I had the procedure I was trying so hard to avoid.
My baby was born at 39 weeks and weighed 5lbs and 9oz and we found out I had a septate uterus.
Although, I believe vaginal birth is ideal and important, I now have a deep gratitude for c-sections because my baby arrived safely and the team at the hospital were really wonderful to me.
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Just do it!
And planning helps, but ultimately things don't go as planned so just commit to accepting whatever birth story that presents itself.
The pain won't last forever but the memories will.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
At first the water was amazing, after transferring to the hospital my pain grew much stronger, due to fear I Imagine, but my midwife came with us to the hospital and she asked them if I could sit up instead of laying down, which helped a lot, she also pressed on my knees which relieved some of the pain. As a contraction was coming I would warn everyone and had them come to me. I grabbed my partners beard and hands, while my midwife looked in my eyes and told me to breathe for baby and I was doing good. I was shaking pretty good at this point and I just remember between contractions I kept my sense of humor anand had everyone in the room laughing, which helped so much.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
C-section with my partner, Erik, at my side.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It felt like my purpose in the universe was being fulfilled and I remember thinking how come no one told me the love is so intense. I honored every mother that had ever lived, I was humbled entirely by the experience.
My baby was the most beautiful creature on the planet and I was completely content in that moment. Words sound silly in comparison to reality.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Just do it!
And planning helps, but ultimately things don't go as planned so just commit to accepting whatever birth story that presents itself.
The pain won't last forever but the memories will.
