-
When did you realize you were really in labor?
It's hard to say. I remember my first contraction was at 8:30 am and I thought, "That had to be a contraction, right? I haven't felt this before." I guess I was more convinced when they got around 7 or 8 minutes apart. I was worried it was false labor half of the time.
-
What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Really, this is my only experience and I wouldn't do it differently. I can see how being in a hospital setting would actually make it more painful and many would consider pain relief. I felt that my contractions hurt more while sitting and definitely laying down. Thankfully I only had one on my back while my cervix was being checked. They were so close together at that point. The rest of the time I spent leaning forward and on hands and knees. You can do that when you aren't hooked up to anything and constantly being checked.
-
IMG_0901
-
What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I took Bradley Method childbirth classes so the stages of childbirth didn't really surprise me- I was just experiencing them for the first time. I also saw a great chiropractor and worked with a massage therapist who gave me great advice on stretches and relaxation.
-
What surprised you about your birth?
Everything. I was surprised that it wasn't scary and that there was never a scare of complications. Everything went so smoothly and at one point, my midwife stated my daughter was a happy baby after checking her heart rate. It was such a great experience and I never felt too overwhelmed. I think a lot of that had to do with my birthing environment.
-
I would definitely recommend an extensive birthing class that really educated you on a healthy pregnancy and the different stages of labor. My class was 12 weeks long. The birth center also provided a lot of education and recommended supplements that I believe helped prepare my body. I did not spend as much time on breastfeeding education and I would definitely recommend that you do. Breastfeeding can be hard and I don't feel like many speak on that. Mom and baby have to learn. It's is so worth it though.
-
What pain relief strategies worked best?
What made the biggest difference was leaning forward or being on hands and knees. I got to the birth place when I was 8 cm so I don't feel like I had time to really consider anything else. I was just focused. I also used deep throaty noises...I found that doing this while exhaling through each contraction was really helpful.
-
What position did you end up delivering in?
I had a water birth. My husband sat on a step in the birthing tub and I leaned back against him between pushes. During each contraction I curled forward and focused on pushing. My husband helped by holding my legs back.
-
How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Amazing! She was at least a pound bigger than expected and had so much dark hair. (My husband and I are blonde.) She rested calmly on my chest and stopped crying immediately. The midwife took her for a second to make sure she would cry and sure enough, she was fine. She stopped crying when she was back on my chest. I was so excited and surprised by her.
-
What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
I would definitely recommend an extensive birthing class that really educated you on a healthy pregnancy and the different stages of labor. My class was 12 weeks long. The birth center also provided a lot of education and recommended supplements that I believe helped prepare my body. I did not spend as much time on breastfeeding education and I would definitely recommend that you do. Breastfeeding can be hard and I don't feel like many speak on that. Mom and baby have to learn. It's is so worth it though.
