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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I realized I was in labor a little past midnight on Feb 23rd. It felt like light menstrual cramps but in a matter of an hour they started to get to the point where I had to focus and breath through them with my doula. I labored at home at long as I could.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging thing going all natural was the pain going to my mind so therefore my mind kept saying to get pain relief immediately. I couldn't control my thoughts but once I did my mind calmed.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I did many things to prepare physically and mentally for a complete natural birth. From my first trimester on I drank red raspberry leaf tea religiously, I walked 30 minutes to an hour every day, I ate very healthy, I used magnesium oil, I watched natural birth videos, I read natural birth stories, I took borage oil internally and externally, I bounced on my birthing ball daily, I did prenatal yoga, I went to the chiropractor and I ate dates. However the most important 2 things that I feel helped me achieve my natural birth goal was hiring a wonderful doula and a lot of prayer.
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What surprised you about your birth?
After giving birth to my daughter I was surprised that I actually went through the whole experience and intense journey without any pain relief. I was very proud of myself and knew that God gave me this body to give birth. I did it the way he intended it to be.
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I was so shocked that this little baby was in my belly the whole time and just came out of me. She was screaming so all I was trying to do was comfort her. My husband was crying and so happy. It was a memory I'll never forget.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
The best pain relief strategy was breathing, warm water in the bath tub, vocal exercises, and most importantly prayer.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
The position I ended up delivering in was on the hospital bed facing the head of the bed on my knees while leaning on the top of the head rest. It was almost a squat position.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
When I held my baby for the first time it was indescribable. I was so shocked that this little baby was in my belly the whole time and just came out of me. She was screaming so all I was trying to do was comfort her. My husband was crying and so happy. It was a memory I'll never forget.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
The advice I would give to mothers that want to go natural is to first study the labor and birthing process. Fear will over rule the mind. Secondly, hire a wonderful doula that you "click" with. She will be your coach and advocate through the whole journey. Third, only watch positive natural birth videos and positive birth stories. These stories will give you confidence. Fourth, understand your body was made to do this and that you can do it. Tell yourself everyday that you will do it and write down positive affirmations. Fifth, do your research on ways to shorten labor. Some examples would be chiropractic care, red raspberry leaf tea, dates, birthing ball, walking, and much more. Sixth, know there will be a time during labor that you'll want to give up. This is normal, just remember that the pain is for a reason and you will soon have the reward to meet your baby. Finally pray, pray, and pray. Pray through your pregnancy, labor, and delivery. God is your best friend and savior. There is nothing possible without him.
