-
When did you realize you were really in labor?
After a few days of early labor, intensifying at night, then slowing during day, I discussed taking a natural induction concoction with my midwife. Contractions did start to intensify and once my water broke (after suddenly squatting to grab something), I figured this was it!
-
What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The transition at the end was the hardest, where I began to doubt myself and kept thinking "I can't do this." I didn't want to tear again and my midwife helped me ease through pushing and control it so I wouldn't- that was tough, especially since I crowned for like 10 minutes! But holding back and being guided through was definitely worth it, and a much easier recovery!
-
IMG_0716
-
What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
LOTS of reading and listening (to podcasts) including my Mama Natural's Week by Week Guide to Pregnancy and Childbirth. Soaked up any material I could get my hands on regarding natural birth, before and during my pregnancy. This helped me know what I really wanted and hoped for in my birth plan.
-
What surprised you about your birth?
The fact that this 2nd birth was about the same time and pretty similar course of active labor, aside from water breaking. I expected things to move a lot more quickly. Also having a long early labor. I think being at home seemed a lot more natural and easy than I expected it to be as well, being my first home birth after a hospital water birth the first time. It was such an amazing and smooth transition.
-
The more we support each other in this and spread the word on natural birth and can share our own stories, the more empowered women can be in knowing how amazing we and our bodies are. We can do this!!
-
What pain relief strategies worked best?
My husband is an incredible birth partner and having him nearby to hold onto, lean against, pull up on or walk with was so comforting and an anchor for me. A heat pack for my abdomen and back was soothing, and being in the water - shower at times or birth pool- which made it easier to reposition and was comforting. Working with my contractions and remembering that each contraction brought me closer to meeting my baby helped me through them as well.
-
What position did you end up delivering in?
On my back in the birth pool. While I actually planned to squat, I ended up delivering the same way I delivered my 1st child in, as my midwife felt it was working well for me and was easy for her to help me control the pushing stage.
-
How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Incredible! It was immediate relief and joy, especially as I ended up reaching down to pull him up to my chest!
-
What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
While going natural can seem daunting to some, it is very worth it in the end. Educate yourself on the many benefits of going natural and risks of choosing interventions. That helped me become more set in what I knew I wanted. It can be so tough not to give into a "quick fix" or instant pain relief through an epidural or just get it over with a C-section, especially when we labor for some time, and maybe hit some difficult points or stall. So for me, being at home I knew I wouldn't give in to the epidural, as I don't doubt I would do in the hospital! Prepare as much as you can beforehand by reading, watching moms birth their babies naturally (so many wonderful birth stories and videos online), and talking to other moms about their natural labor experiences. The more we support each other in this and spread the word on natural birth and can share our own stories, the more empowered women can be in knowing how amazing we and our bodies are. We can do this!!
