-
When did you realize you were really in labor?
At 6am on the day after my due date. I told my husband I was going to get in the bath, I thought the contractions would probably die off so I didn't want to get my hopes off. When they kept coming I cleaned the house so I could come home to it clean!
-
What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
When my midwife told me to not tense up through my contractions, so I took that as stay completely limp waist down. I somehow did it!
-
FB_IMG_1492813581277
-
What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Every day I worked I listened to The Birth Hour podcast, and mentally that prepared me more than anything. Physically I made sure to stay active through my pregnancy, took evening primrose oil and drank my weight in red raspberry leaf tea!
-
What surprised you about your birth?
How fast it went! By the time we got to the hospital I was already 100% effaced and 7 cm dialated. I was admitted by 8pm and had him at 1:12am
-
No birth is the same and going into it with no expectations is so important. Keep an open mind. Vaginas DO open.
-
What pain relief strategies worked best?
Moaning through contractions! Do whatever you have to do to make sure you stay breathing through them. My husband would also apply counter pressure during my contractions.
-
What position did you end up delivering in?
On my back while holding onto my legs. I alternated between that and pushing while on the toilet. For some reason being on my hands and knees or squatting was awful for me.
-
How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Amazing and empowering! I remember thinking "thi is the tiny little butt that kept pushing against my belly through my whole pregnancy!"
-
What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Listen/read as many birth stories you can. No birth is the same and going into it with no expectations is so important. Keep an open mind. Vaginas DO open. You're going to have people who scoff at you for wanting to go natural, and their remarks are what will get you through your labor.
