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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I knew I was starting early labour when I started feeling a regular uncomfortable pain every ten minutes or so that increased in intensity quite rapidly. Having battled terrible period cramps my whole life, I kind of knew what was happening when I started feeling that pain all over again.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging thing about a natural birth was admitting to myself that I needed medical help and couldn't continue any longer. I was exhausted after almost 24 hours of labour and only dilated 4 cm and after being induced to try and speed up the labour and contractions to dilate more quickly, I asked for an epidural so I wouldn't end up in an emergency C-section situation due to not being able to push. I fought so hard for so long to not have any pain relief but I also wanted to be able to see my baby without surgery.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I slept during the last two weeks whenever I wanted and as much as I needed. I also made sure to walk every day and enjoy the little moments alone, like going to the grocery store by myself before having to take my little human with me.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I was surprised at how little time it took to push. After just over 45 minutes, baby was born and it seemed like it took no time at all.
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The best advice I can give is not to be too hard on yourself during the whole process. Know your limits and don't feel bad when things go differently than how you expected.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
The best pain relief for me was sitting on the ball facing my sister with my partner holding me from behind. My sister kept me focused with the breathing and Daddy rubbed my back and held me when the contraction was over. Having the two most important people in my life with me in those difficult moments brought me through.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Because of the epidural, I did end up delivering on my back in bed with Daddy and my sister beside me.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It was indescribable, the moment he was put on my chest. After all those months feeling him move and kick, to finally see him in the world brought me to tears immediately. The love that I felt when he was in my tummy was magnified a million times when I held him for the first time.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
The best advice I can give is not to be too hard on yourself during the whole process. Know your limits and don't feel bad when things go differently than how you expected. I fought for so long to have my son naturally until my body could not take it anymore. I struggled for a bit with my decision to get pain relief but in the end I had to acknowledge to myself that my son arrived safely with no complications and that was ultimately what I wanted. My main concern was for him and I did not want to put him in distress because I was too tired or too weak. The birth process is never exactly how we plan it out to be and the ability to know our own capabilities and be flexible to whatever may come relieves a huge stress during the whole process.
