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When did you realize you were really in labor?
When my contractions, although mild, were coming three minutes apart. This lasted for hours.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
As a first-time mom, I had no idea what to expect as far as labor, pain, etc. I read all I could, but it's something you have to experience to truly understand.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Perineal massages! I did them five times a week for six weeks. My baby was big and had a huge head. Plus, his hand and arm came out with his head instead of after his shoulders. I tore vaginally, but was able to avoid stitches because my perineum didn't tear. Thank the Lord!
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What surprised you about your birth?
The intensity of it all. How intense the pain was, how tired I got, how intense the emotions were. I was overwhelmed. I was beyond exhausted when my son was born, but the first thing I said to him was how he was going to be so very loved.
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The single most important thought I held on to was about pain. If a bone is broken, pain is your body telling you there's a problem. This is the only time in your life when pain tells you everything is perfect. Your body is doing exactly what it was designed to do. You can do this, moms! God's design is perfect. (Plus, there's the reward of a precious baby at the end.)
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
The birth pool! I had a portable birth pool set up in my bedroom. It was amazing! I will not have a baby without one if I can help it. The water really eased the contractions.
Also, lower back massages by my husband. He had strength in his hands that the ladies assisting me didn't have. He massaged every contraction. I wouldn't have made it through without his help.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On my side in the bed. It wasn't how I had originally planned, but labor was going long and the midwife knew both the baby and I were too tired to continue. It was either help things along or go to the hospital. Lying down allowed me to get a little extra rest during the last moments of pushing while she helped the baby out.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Surreal. Utterly relieved. The hard labor was over. The wait was over. I couldn't believe it was my baby. The one I had waited for. I was a mom.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
The single most important thought I held on to was about pain. If a bone is broken, pain is your body telling you there's a problem. This is the only time in your life when pain tells you everything is perfect. Your body is doing exactly what it was designed to do. You can do this, moms! God's design is perfect. (Plus, there's the reward of a precious baby at the end.)
