-
When did you realize you were really in labor?
So I went to my 39 week doctor appointment on 5/18 and, on my request, had a cervical check. I was only dilated less than 2cm, so I thought that meant no baby till at least around his due date, 5/27.
I had also begun to lose the mucus plug but didn't think much of it.
The next day I started getting prodromal labor, but again didn't think much of it, knowing that as a FTM it could be several days still.
Three days later I started having harder contractions around 12 noon that day and began timing them, they started out with varied times of as much as 6-8min, so I thought "early labor!" I suspected I was leaking from my water breaking but it was so little at a time I was unsure. I contacted my husband around 2 as he was getting off work and he came straight home.
I labored at home for almost 7hrs and then told my hubby we should probably head to the hospital at the contractions were only 2-4 min apart and stronger.
We checked in at about 7:30pm and after being checked for dilation, I was already about 7cm and dilated to 9cm within half an hour! My doula had arrived when I was already 9cm and in transition. No one could believe it because I was still smiling, talking, and laughing between contractions. Both my doula and hubby supported me with labor positions, affirmations, and massages through transition.
By 10pm I was pushing baby out but he was having a hard time getting out, so despite my labor positions of squatting, etc, I still tore pretty badly and bled out pretty badly. The doctor was quick to sew me up to minimize blood loss, but unfortunately I still needed a blood transfusion and oxygen due to my deep perineum (sp?) tear.
At 11:08 on 5/22, Jeremiah was born! The placenta came out quickly on its own and other than local anesthetics for my tear I did not have any meds, epidural, IV, etc other than a post birth IV for lost fluids (and the blood transfusion later). Even the nurses were very sweet and cheering me on, saying how awesome I did. Hubby and my doula were super proud as well. :)
Baby latched on right away and started to soil diapers and wet them like a champ. :)
Baby Jer was a bit jaundiced, so he and I have had to some stay extra time for his UV treatments, but otherwise he's a healthy boy! :)
So proud that I stayed med free though for me and my little one! :)
-
What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The time I was in transition was the hardest, but I kept telling myself "it's only for a couple minutes" with each contraction.
-
received_1639852426042950
-
What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Having a doula and reading up on natural labor were the smartest things I did to prepare.
-
What surprised you about your birth?
That it was somewhat fast and other than transition I was powering through it pretty easily with my affirmations and the comfort of my hubby and doula helping me and massaging my back.
-
I kept telling myself "it's only for a couple minutes" with each contraction.
-
What pain relief strategies worked best?
Massage.
-
What position did you end up delivering in?
Squating/semi laying down.
-
How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Wonderful and just special...hard to describe.
-
What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
The pain is for a short time and then it's over. With a strong support team and affirmations you can power through it no matter if it's at home, a birth center, or hospital.
