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When did you realize you were really in labor?
At 11:00 p.m. on Tuesday night, the 27th of June. My contractions started to be painful then, but they were very slight and not enough to dilate my cervix.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging thing was the pain, and knowing when to go in to the hospital.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I drank red raspberry leaf tea for most of the pregnancy. Reading the Mama Natural book was also a huge help, just preparing mentally and knowing what to expect for the most part.
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What surprised you about your birth?
That I went into labor on my own a week and two days early. This is my first, and because I had gestational diabetes, my doctor wanted to induce me at 39 weeks due to more risks. But people were praying for me, and God answered our prayers and let me go into labor naturally, two days before they were going to induce me. God is so good!
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It was and incredible feeling! Joy, relief and amazement! It was wonderful!!!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
I pretty much just tolerated the pain, because I was only at the hospital for about three hours before he was born.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On the hospital bed.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It was and incredible feeling! Joy, relief and amazement! It was wonderful!!!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Going natural isn't quite what I expected. To be honest, I thought it was going to be a whole lot worse. It was probably the most painful experience I've ever had, but definitely can be achieved if that's what you want to do. I only had to push for 13 minutes, so that was a plus, but I realize not everybody has it that easy. I was very blessed.
Another thought is, don't worry about what comes out at delivery. I hadn't gone number one for several hours, so you can guess what happened. No, I didn't poop, but I did do the other- a large amount. But I just followed the advice from Mama Natural and our birth class instructor, who said not to worry about what comes out at birth because no one cares. It's the truth. Although it's kinda embarrassing, no one is going to care and it doesn't even matter. So just push with all you got in you! ?
Thirdly, if you can, drink red raspberry leaf tea throughout your pregnancy, daily if possible.
