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When did you realize you were really in labor?
When I had been having contractions for a few hours and the nurse came in to check me and I was 3 centimeters dilated.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The hardest part for me was trying to convince everyone (besides my husband, he was fully supportive) that I could do it. It was difficult because I have big babies and I'm a small person with an even smaller pelvis. But my first baby, Madison, was 9 pounds so I knew i could do it. At my last appointment for Gabriel, we checked his weight and he was 10 pounds 3 oz. We were shocked but definitely still wanted to try going natural.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Probably the most helpful thing was preparing my husband to be my main support system because that's what I wanted. And it worked. He turned out to be everything I needed to help get me through labor. The nurses were asking him if he wanted a job there!
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What surprised you about your birth?
The thing that surprised me most was that my labor ended in a C-section. Having a c-section hadn't even cross my mind because I was so busy trying to convince everyone that I could go natural with a big baby. But, when Gabe's heart dropped and he became distressed, there was no doubt that this was what was needed. And off to the OR I went for my emergency c- section.
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Do the best you can do. You know your body the best out of everyone. And if things don't go the way you planned, it's okay. You still did awesome!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Listening to soothing Christian music and my husband read me scripture and remind me that I could do it.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On my back
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It felt like the most amazing thing in the world. I wss overwhelmed with joy. Even though I didn't get the birth I wanted, i still felt like a superhero.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Do the best you can do. You know your body the best out of everyone. And if things don't go the way you planned, it's okay. You still did awesome!
