-
When did you realize you were really in labor?
My water broke at home at 10:37 pm and the contractions ramped up to 2 minutes apart and we're quite painful.
-
What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging part is keeping your mind calm as the contractions get more intense. Just breathe and gather yourself in between contractions.
-
IMG_5423
-
What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I talked with my husband and doula about what we loved about my firstborns birth and what I wanted to do differently. We all had a clear picture of what we wanted this time around.
-
What surprised you about your birth?
I gave birth to my daughter in the bathroom of the LDR only 2 minutes after we arrived. I caught her head myself and was assisted in bringing her body up into my arms. I had thought about delivering a baby "non conventional- in the car, ER, unexpectedly at home"- many times before! Just didn't think it would actually happen to me.
-
It was such a beautiful, exciting and relieving moment! I could hardly believe it.
-
What pain relief strategies worked best?
Deep breathing and "breathing the baby out" I kept thinking about breathing and sending all my air down to the baby.
-
What position did you end up delivering in?
Standing. Thank you Jesus!
-
How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It was such a beautiful, exciting and relieving moment! I could hardly believe it.
-
What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
You can do it. Get people around you who will support you and be excited for you. Make sure that your support team will remind you of what you want when you're having those "I can't do this" moments. And trust me, you'll have a couple of those. But don't worry, that usually means you're almost done!
