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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I had to be induced! I tried so hard to support my body to go into labor on it's own, but it did not happen.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Blocking out the nay-sayers who think it cannot be done when pitocin is involved.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Reading other positive birth stories. Pinning positive affirmations on pinterest. Reminding myself to stay relaxed and take it one contraction at a time, not to think too far ahead because that made me fearful when there was nothing to be afraid of. Knowing my body was made to do this and millions of other women have come before me and will go after me. I soaked up every birth story you posted on FB every time I saw one-thank you for your encouragement!
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What surprised you about your birth?
How quickly it went! Maybe it was the dates or the red raspberry leaf tea but once I started changing I had her in an hour and a half. Both my previous labors were 9 hours and I had an epidural with them. I was also surprised at how different it felt pushing on hands and knees vs on my back with an epidural. On my back was so much more miserable, despite the epidural!
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One contraction at a time. Don't think too far ahead. Don't let yourself be afraid-there's nothing to fear. Stay out of the bed! Walk, birthing ball, anything but in the bed.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
One of your readers had posted that her doula told her to keep her face and hands relaxed and if she did that the rest of her body would be relaxed-I thought of that a lot. I stayed on the birthing ball the entire time until it was time to push-then it was hands and knees in the bed. My labor nurse rubbed my back and squeezed my hips during transition-that helped a ton!
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Hands & knees
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
I was so surprised at how tiny she was! And how much she looked like her oldest brother. I just kept saying "I can't believe I just did that!"
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
One contraction at a time. Don't think too far ahead. Don't let yourself be afraid-there's nothing to fear. Stay out of the bed! Walk, birthing ball, anything but in the bed.
