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When did you realize you were really in labor?
At 1:30 in the morning I started to feel mild contractions.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I found out after my delivery that my son had an asynclitic presentation. Micah was coming down the birth canal at a "10 and 4" angle, which was why why had very slow, limited progress when I was pushing. Many asynclitic births end in c-section, particularly those that start in hospitals. Had we started birthing at a hospital, as opposed to our birth center, we would have likely had one. This makes me all the more proud to have achieved a vaginal birth without an epidural following a 22 hour labor, and 6 hours of pushing!
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
My husband and I took a Bradley Method class. That was hugely helpful in teaching us how to work as a team, and how to utilize different pain management strategies, including relaxation and counter-pressure. I read Ina May's Guide to Childbirth which was very powerful and eye-opening for me. Watching The Business of Being Born also really informed our decision-making process as we went about preparing for the birth.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How loud I was! I had read and heard about women vocalizing and making long, low moans, but I didn't think I'd be one of them. Turns out I was!
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Do your research so you feel empowered! The more you learn about natural birth, the more you realize that's exactly what it is, natural.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Counter-pressure! My husband used a rolling pin that felt so good against the base of my back.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On my back.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Indescribable. I was a blubbering mess! I also felt really triumphant, because I really fought for my natural birth(with a tiny bit of Pitocin).
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Do your research so you feel empowered! The more you learn about natural birth, the more you realize that's exactly what it is, natural. Naturally women should give birth this way! I also think it's all about mindset. If you go into the birth with a negative attitude, anxiety, or your just bracing yourself for lots of pain, that's what you'll get. However if you go into the experience with confidence and peace, it's a lot easier to manage those moments that are less-than-comfortable. Knowledge and attitude is key :)
