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When did you realize you were really in labor?
Around 3pm on my due date.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Actually, it was the waiting. I went into labor around 1pm but at 6pm and dilated to 6cm I stalled. I was already at the hospital so I couldn't rest well for most of the night and was exhausted by the time baby was ready to come at 6am the next day. I never understood "stalling" but it's real and can be very frustrating!
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Doing lots of reading so I understood what was happening to my body, it helped to know what was going on and what was coming.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How quickly baby came once labor started back up. I went from stalled out at 6cm (for nearly 12 hrs) to ready to push at 10cm in less than 30 min. That was intense!!
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Do your research! Talk to other moms. Don't be afraid to ask lots of questions beforehand, the more you know the less shocked you will be when the time come. And don't be afraid to speak up for yourself during labor and delivery.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Just remembering to relax and breath. I told my husband to keep gently reminding me to do those 2 things and I was able to relax and allow the contractions to work.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I was sitting in a reclining position on the hospital bed.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Amazing! I got such a rush of energy and I was so relieved she was finally here. Delivery and her arrival were way less shocking than the first time, so I was much more engaged with her right from the start. She was ready to nurse and latched almost immediately, having breastfed one baby already it was such a relief to know what I was doing and have it go so smoothly.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Do your research! Talk to other moms. Don't be afraid to ask lots of questions beforehand, the more you know the less shocked you will be when the time come. And don't be afraid to speak up for yourself during labor and delivery.
