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When did you realize you were really in labor?
2:00 am, right around the time we were finishing the movie we rented off of Amazon. My Contractions were strong and frequent enough at that point that I knew it wasn't just Braxton Hicks or something I ate ;)
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
With this birth, Benjamin had the cord around his neck, his body and he has tied it into a perfect knot. He was basically hog tied and couldn't really move or adjust, so I know he was probably just as uncomfortable as I was, but he sat on my spine the whole labor and brused my tailbone during delivery.
...not to mention he was over a pound and a half bigger than our first son.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Rereading through all of the materials from the Bradley birthing class we took with our first son was important. It helped me get into a "baby focus" kind of zone.
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What surprised you about your birth?
With our first I didn't know what to expect, so I was scared but I also feel like it was easier for me to take it on since I didn't know what was in store
This time I knew what to expect so in some ways it was harder and more scary. I am very grateful though that even with all of the hard stuff, Benjamin arrived safely, and I got to experience some of the things that I wanted to, but didn't get to the first time like immediate skin to skin, delayed cord clamping, etc.
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Take time everyday, or at least once a week to mentally prepare. Going natural is 99% a mental task!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Counter pressures from my husband and doula, also soaking in the tub
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On my back, but upright
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Surreal. He was the hardest thing I've ever done in my life, and with as stubborn as he was I didn't think he'd ever come out!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Take time everyday, or at least once a week to mentally prepare. Going natural is 99% a mental task!
Also, having a great birthing partner/doula/doctor/midwife who understands ahead of time what you want and what you don't want to help keep you grounded when shit gets real.
