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When did you realize you were really in labor?
About 8 hours in. Contractions started at 1:15am, and were all over the place time wise ad intensity level. By about 8am they still kept coming, and by 11:30am I called my OB to inform them of what was going on. They had me come in at 1pm to check. I was 1cm the day before and when they checked I was 4cm and having contractions regularly in their office! I got to go directly to the hospital and be admitted!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The very end, I felt tired and frustrated that the pushing seemed to take forever. It was only 1 hour but every contraction my husband, doula, nurses and even the doctor made it seem like I was so close and this was the last contraction to work through. Then when he wasn't out yet I became concerned.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Honestly, not reading too much! When I found out I was pregnant and even before I remember thinking I am going to know everything I can and read everything there is, inside and out, front and back, multiple times. I bought and borrowed many books for them to only collect dust. My whole life I have always jumped into things with both feet, prepared or not and would find out I can swim and didn't have to sink. However, I have never trusted my body...until pregnancy and giving birth! I felt this overwhelming calm feeling that everything will work out. I can trust my body and my baby. I loved the affirmation, these contractions are not stronger than me because they are me!
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What surprised you about your birth?
That I did it! Pain meds and an epidural always scared me way more than any labor pain. So for me I remember thinking, "ok, my options are to birth naturally OR birth naturally!"
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Trust your baby and body! As well as don't be afraid to ask for a second opinion
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
My instinct was to hold tight to my husband and doula's hand. But when I loosened and gave in to the contraction my body did what it had to and it was over....until the next one! Being on my knees, resting on my hands upright in the hospital bed. At times counter pressure on my hips helped as well.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I actually did end up delivering on my back
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
"Wow! He's warm and slippery!" Yup, that was my first thought because I was in such shock. I was then very relieved and happy
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Trust your baby and body! As well as don't be afraid to ask for a second opinion
