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When did you realize you were really in labor?
We had experienced a lovely Christmas day together, and I went to bed feeling wonderful. At midnight I woke with the first twinge that I knew full well was the beginning of labor. (This is my fourth birth, but my seventh labor)
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Pushing was the most difficult part. My darling girl presented with her hand over her ear, so I did not experience the relief when the head is out! The urgency to push and intense pressure continued until she was completely out.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Staying fit and eating right! I am so grateful for the walks I took each day alone, as no one else can walk through labor with you, it's up to you! I felt ready to face labor and birth with two amazing midwives and my incredible husband, but knowing my own self-care made it possible.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I expected water birth to bring some sort of relief, but in my case it did not. It felt much like my other births, but while in the water, my labor slowed.
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Be all in! Know that you want a natural birth, meditate, prepare, and do not leave room to do anything else.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Singing and chanting during intense contractions. Keeping my mouth open and jaw relaxed helped me to open and focus on something other than the pain.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
In the birth tub, sitting with my back against the side, legs drawn up toward me.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Amazing! This is my second rainbow baby. I lost two in the year before I got to birth and hold my darling baby! Looking at her and how alert she was from the natural birth was exhilarating!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Be all in! Know that you want a natural birth, meditate, prepare, and do not leave room to do anything else.
