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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I had prodromal labor for about a month, so I didn't believe I was really in labor till about 12:30 in the morning (45 minutes before she was born) when I was in transition throwing up over the side of my bathtub.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The hardest part for me was not knowing how long it would last. I remember thinking, I cannot handle 6 hours of this. Luckily she came really really fast.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
My doula taught my husband how to do counter pressure and hip squeezes before I was in labor. The most helpful thing I did was hire a doula. I don't think anything could have prepared me for that.
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What surprised you about your birth?
My first labor was 25.5 hours, my second was less than 3 hours. I was extremely surprised how fast it went!
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Stay in the moment, focus on something other that the feelings you're having. My husband held my hand and told me to keep eye contact with him. It helped so much.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Deep breathing, letting my voice make any sounds it wanted to, being in the shower/bath tub but mostly my husband pushing on my back as the baby moved down.
I didn't have time to do much.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On my knees in a half filled still filling birth pool.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
She came so fast that I was the only one close enough to catch her even though I really wanted my husband to catch her. I pictured that moment so many times, it was absolutely surreal.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Stay in the moment, focus on something other that the feelings you're having. My husband held my hand and told me to keep eye contact with him. It helped so much.
