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When did you realize you were really in labor?
It was about 11:30pm. My son and daughter were sound asleep and my husband was playing a video game with friends. I had false labor all week, so I cautiously told my husband "I think this is it? But I'm not sure". I sat on the edge of the bed trying to make up my mind when another contraction hit- this one was more intense. The timing was inconsistent, but they quickly intensified to anywhere from 2 to 5 minutes apart, so we grabbed the bag, our two sleepy kids, and rushed out the door to the hospital. The kids were disoriented and complained about us waking them up the whole car ride to the hospital.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
There is a five year gap between this baby and my son, so I had forgotten how painful it is. I tried to be strong, but I really was ready to give up in the end (right before push time). As it turns out, she was posterior facing, so her birth actually was more painful than the others! This was a surprise to my midwife and I, but my midwife was awesome and helped me through the painful back labor.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I never feel prepared enough. The thing that helped me most is to have confidence that no matter how painful it is, I CAN do it. I felt extremely blessed by my care team (midwife, nurse, and my husband were the only ones in the room). They were so supportive and I couldn't have done it with them.
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What surprised you about your birth?
When I arrived to L&D, I has having painful back to back contractions and assumed I was already at 6 or 7 centimeters (as I had been with my other two children when I arrived at the hospital). I was only 4 cm! I was certain I would never make it through because I thought I had a long ways to go. My labor really kicked into gear and started dilating rapidly-she was born at 2:31am. The body can do amazing things, even when the mind is wavering!
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It will be painful. But you are stronger than you think! No matter how painful it is, the pain has an end point.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
During contractions, I got on all fours and my midwife applied strong counter pressure to my lower back. This was my saving grace. Also, my nurse reminded my to focus on relaxing everything possible during contractions (head to toes).
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I spend most of my labor standing up and bend over the bed, or up on all fours. I tried pushing on all fours, but it didn't feel right. I ended up delivering in supine position, sitting up and grabbing my knees.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Euphoric! I had such a challenging pregnancy. I just cried happy tears and said, "I did it! She's here! I can't believe she's finally here".
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
I'm not going to lie- it will be painful. But you are stronger than you think! No matter how painful it is, the pain has an end point. Just rely on your support system, trusted care team, and any personal tools such as prayer.
