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When did you realize you were really in labor?
On a Thursday at 4 a.m., I woke up to a gush. At the time, I wasn't positive it was my water, but it continued to slowly leak here and there until late Friday afternoon. I went to the birth center where my midwife confirmed it was my water. But the realization that I was actually in labor came when I finally started contracting at 11 p.m. that evening.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Not psyching myself out or getting too inside my own head was the biggest challenge, mentally. I knew I had to trust my body was made for birth and not let fear get in the way of that belief. Transition was the most challenging part, physically.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Honestly, reading positive natural birth stories really elevated my confidence in achieving a natural birth. Reading Ina May Gaskin's "Guide to Childbirth" was especially encouraging for me; in fact, it made me excited for the experience as a whole: labor and delivery.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I was shocked at my body's power and instinctual response to labor. No one had to tell me how or when to push; my body told me, and there truly was no pushing involved. My body transformed when it was time, and my body's response seemed more like a reflex when I got on my hands and knees to deliver my son. I also couldn't believe how quickly labor progressed. I was 4 cm dilated when I arrived at the birth center, and my son was earthside just 3 hours later. It was such an empowering experience.
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Trust your body; let go of fear; and know that your mind and your body can and will rise to the occasion if you let them. When it comes to natural childbirth, women are more powerful than they know.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
I just tried to stay focused on getting through each contraction and reminding myself that each wave brought me closer to meeting my son. I closed my eyes and focused on patterned breathing. I made sure to also not stay in one position too long and allowed myself to labor wherever.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I hopped up on the bed and delivered him on my hands and knees.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It was surreal and it was a relief, all at once. He is my second rainbow baby, so holding him after such a quick and powerful labor experience was truly unforgettable.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Trust your body; let go of fear; and know that your mind and your body can and will rise to the occasion if you let them. When it comes to natural childbirth, women are more powerful than they know.
