-
When did you realize you were really in labor?
At 41 weeks and 2 days, I went on a long walk by myself in the early evening. After the kids were in bed and my husband was at a work event nearby, I realized the mild contractions I had felt earlier were intensifying and coming more regularly. When I had to stop and really breathe through them around 10pm, I knew labor had really started.
-
What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Fortunately, I gave birth to this child in Austria where natural childbirth with a midwife is the norm, so the atmosphere was very encouraging for me to try to give birth without drugs. However, an epidural is an option at the hospitals here now. Because I had my first two children in U.S. hospitals with epidurals, I wasn't 100% sure I could do it the Austrian/natural way. I had to really convince myself that I wasn't going to ask for drugs and that I could do this!
-
IMG_7051
-
What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Reading and listening to positive birth stories about natural and 'supernatural' (knowing God is with you) birth!
-
What surprised you about your birth?
How I opened to 10cm without any real pain and how powerful I felt pushing my baby into the world!
-
Trust in the way God has designed your body to give birth. Know that you can experience relatively little pain during it. And that however your baby's birth happens, the Lord is with you through it all!
-
What pain relief strategies worked best?
Soaking in my bathtub at home and 'breathing the baby down' while listening to praise & worship music.
-
What position did you end up delivering in?
Squatting while pulling down on a piece of cloth tied to the top of a birthing chair. My husband was seated behind me in the chair so as soon as I had pushed the baby out I could lean back into his arms while the midwife placed the baby in my arms.
-
How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Amazing!! Being able to hold your baby right after delivering, with all those crazy feel-good hormones firing, has got to be the BEST feeling in the world!!
-
What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Trust in the way God has designed your body to give birth. Know that you can experience relatively little pain during it. And that however your baby's birth happens, the Lord is with you through it all!
