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When did you realize you were really in labor?
It's hard to say. I thought I was in labor early in the day. I woke up at 2 am with labor contractions. I'd been having contractions the few weeks prior, but these were different. They circled around to my back and created more pressure than they had previously. I went back to sleep and then woke up around 8 to tell my husband "Today is the day!!" Contractions got stronger, and longer, and closer together until about noon.. and then they started to dissipate!! The whole afternoon was an on-again, off-again scenario. I wasn't sure what was going on! My water broke with my first baby, so there was a definite "go-time" clue. This time around, every time I'd think 'oh yes. it's happening" my contractions would fizzle out. I called my midwife around 5, almost crying because I couldn't take the emotional rollercoaster. She suggested a warm shower or bath with 3 large glasses of water. I followed her advice and within an hour I was ready to roll. I thought for sure I was in labor early in the morning but it wasn't until then that I was confident enough to head to the birth center.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I wanted to balance my natural ideal with safety for myself and my child. It was hard to find a practitioner in my area that allowed an environment conducive to a natural birth. Obviously you can birth anywhere, but finding a place where I was "allowed" to eat, drink and move as needed was impossible to find locally. I ended up driving 1.5 hours to my birthing center. Best drive ever spent! Having the right support team and an understanding environment does WONDERS for you as a laboring mother.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
With my first baby I took Bradley classes. This pregnancy I was in the midst of certifying to teach Birth Boot Camp Classes and then teaching my first series. It was fun to learn again with my students! I really don't know how mama's do it without education! Even the second time around, I found it helpful to refresh my memory (and my husbands) If I could encourage moms to do one thing it would be to TAKE A LIVE CLASS! I doubt you'll regret it!
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What surprised you about your birth?
The first few hours after! With my first I tore pretty badly so was numbed up for a repair. This time I didn't tear at all and OH MY HEAVENS! Everything down there was so tender! My midwife waited a while to cut the cord and so it was moving against my skin as we waited for the placenta to deliver. The sensation was so intense; probably more so because it was so unexpected!
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Take a class! Practice what you learn! And USE THE TUB!!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
THE TUB! I cannot even explain the difference between being in the water and when I was out. I tried several times to move out of the tub. The pain doubled every time and I ended up sitting right back down.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Semi-reclined with my husband behind me. I tried pushing on hands-and-knees, but I had this intense need to lean against my husband. Figuratively and literally I guess. It was so helpful to have him whispering encouragement in my ear through the pushing process.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
AMAZING! It's that " Oh my Gosh. He's OUT! I'm DONE! HOLY POOP I REALLY DID THAT! OH MY GOSH He is BEAUTIFUL" kind of feeling. Complete, utter, awe. Can't explain it anyway other than that.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Take a class! Practice what you learn! And USE THE TUB!!
