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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I was in early labor for about 3 days but I realized I was really in labor when I was laying in bed and my water broke about 9:00 in the morning.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging thing about going natural was definitely the contractions leading into pushing. They were intense and very painful. At the time, knowing that I did not have the option of an epidural was also very intimidating as my labor and delivery lasted a good 15 hours but knowing that the only way for me to hold my baby was to keep pushing through gave me the energy and perseverance to continue on naturally (like I had another choice lol).
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
The most helpful thing I did to prepare for childbirth was staying healthy and fit. During my pregnancy I continued on teaching dance classes, doing CrossFit, and eating healthy. I truly believe that these efforts played a huge role in my ability to birth my healthy, 9 pound and 20 inch baby boy! Also watching and reading other women's birth stories gave me encouragement and wisdom to have a natural childbirth.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I was definitely surprised by my baby's weight after he was born...a whopping 9 pounds and I still can't believe that my body fit him in there let alone pushed him out!
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Holding my baby for the first time was absolutely the most incredible and indescribable feeling and being able to share that moment with me.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
The best pain relief strategies that worked for me were siting on the birth ball and leaning on the bed while someone was massaging my lower back, the warm water in the birthing tub, being as loud as I wanted, and playing my Jesus music the whole birth.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I delivered his head laying on my back on the bed and the rest of him on my hands and knees on the bed. Flipping over to my hands and knees with his head already out was the strangest feeling I have ever felt but that advice ended up helping me a lot!
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Holding my baby for the first time was absolutely the most incredible and indescribable feeling and being able to share that moment with me, Baby Kawika, and his daddy was so special. This will forever be the best moment of my entire life. Holding my healthy baby, experiencing every emotion, reminded me why I wanted to go natural in the first place.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
The supporters you have in the room are so important. I felt encouraged by just looking up and seeing my loved ones there with me. Don't be afraid to do whatever the heck you want (that's the beauty of natural birth right?). Do what feels right, what feels natural, and whatever helps you cope. Also, EAT- as much as food is the last thing you want to think about, you are going to need that energy to get it done. (honey sticks and frozen fruit were a life saver). But most importantly, remember that each contraction you will never feel again and with each contraction you are closer to meeting your sweet baby.
