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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I was 41 weeks with baby number 4 and started having minor contractions when we went to bed at 10:30, not strong enough to wake up my husband for but enough not to be able to fall asleep. When my water broke at 11:30, I knew it was the beginning of the real thing.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I didn't want any interventions and wasn't in a hurry for my pregnancy to be over as this would be our last one and I wanted to savor every last little kick and moment. I had gone natural with my previous 3 deliveries so I was pretty confident I would be able to handle another one, especially if it went as quickly as the last. Active labor was definitely intense but I progressed quickly and had amazing support from my husband, friend, nurse and midwife.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I loved reading Mama Natural's weekly pregnancy updates. I drank red raspberry leaf tea throughout my second and third trimesters and ate dates every day of the last month and a half. I don't know if they made any difference but I loved them and it couldn't hurt. I think just believing and trusting that my body knows what to do and trusting God that His timing is perfect helped me relax and handle the end of pregnancy and the delivery.
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What surprised you about your birth?
Our little boy Summit, was born in the tub with a very tight umbilical cord wrapped twice around his neck. After unwinding him, he wasn't perking up so they needed to cut his cord and take him to the warmer for a little more resuscitation. With my other 3 deliveries, I held all of them immediately for at least 30 minutes before ever breaking skin to skin. This was hard for me but I was also thankful that we had staff that was caring and ready to provide attention when needed. He bounced back quickly and was back in my arms in less than 20 minutes.
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Have faith in your body's ability to grow and deliver your baby. Labor is intense but every bit of it brings you closer to holding that precious little being. Don't listen to the people that tell us we're crazy for wanting to go natural, instead, seek out those that are willing to support you and applaud your desire to do what's best for you and your baby.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Kneeling over a birthing ball helped during active labor until I was able to get into the water. My husband applied low back counter pressure during contractions which felt good. I didn't use a lot of techniques this time around as the actual labor was only about 2 hours long.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I delivered on my hands and knees in the birthing tub.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Pure blessing. When he was born and we saw he was a boy I was shocked just because we have 3 little girls and I just assumed we would have another. It was hard to let him go to the warmer but he needed extra help at the time. I caught up on snuggles and kisses a few minutes later. I've been relishing every sweet moment with this last tiny addition to our family.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Have faith in your body's ability to grow and deliver your baby. Labor is intense but every bit of it brings you closer to holding that precious little being. Don't listen to the people that tell us we're crazy for wanting to go natural, instead, seek out those that are willing to support you and applaud your desire to do what's best for you and your baby.
