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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I realized I was in labor when I woke at 5am, at 41 weeks 1 day. I went to use the bathroom and had bloody show! I continued to have more show every time I went to the bathroom, and my contractions were remaining consistent around 6-7 minutes apart.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
This was my second natural birth. Our first natural birth was an accidental unassisted birth in our car (on the way to the hospital). When contractions became more consistent this time, it was a reminder for me of our first natural birth, and the pain that came with it. So I began to feel completely ready to take on another birth. However, this birth was much more longer. Our car birth was less than 2 hours. I was in labor with this home birth for 7 hours. I worked much harder to keep contractions consistent. I walked SO MUCH, visited our chiropractor, and had to push much more. So although I had a natural birth previously, they were very much different. My body worked much hard this go around, than it did our last natural birth.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
The most helpful thing I did to prepare for natural childbirth was getting myself ready mentally and physically. Telling myself over and over I could do this, and having a large group of people (rather in real life or in person) be there to support me. I had a blessingway this go round, and I had affirmations sent to me from friends all over the country. I read affirmations and birth stories daily, and I watched homebirth videos daily. I envisioned my birth space, and come 37 weeks I made it my reality. I took care of my body, and ate healthy foods.
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What surprised you about your birth?
The amount of work it took to push my daughter out. I was prepared for a lengthy labor -- I actually wanted that (she's our last), but I wasn't prepared for her to crown and then slip back in (for the first 2-3 pushes). I was also shocked to know that I carried an 8lb9oz baby haha!
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If you want to do it, say you can do it. Tell yourself you can. It's not just about physically preparing yourself, a big part of natural birth is mental prep as well. Take natural birthing classes, meet with a doula, connect with like-minded people on social media! YOU CAN DO IT!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Being on my birth ball, rebozo, walking, moaning, and just surrendering my body. Using essential oils on my back, hip pressure, and being in my birth pool were all great pain relief. Also, reciting my birth affirmations aloud, and having my friends, family, and spouse record my affirmations.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I was in the crab stance, which is what I call it haha. I held my butt up off the bottom of the pool, by supporting myself with my hands pushing me up.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
I was very emotional when I held her for the first time. She was our rainbow baby we had prayed for, after the loss of our last child, Fischer.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
If you want to do it, say you can do it. Tell yourself you can. It's not just about physically preparing yourself, a big part of natural birth is mental prep as well. Take natural birthing classes, meet with a doula, connect with like-minded people on social media! YOU CAN DO IT!
