-
When did you realize you were really in labor?
I was having prodromal labor for 3 days. My contractions would be 10 minutes apart for several hours and then disappear. The day I went into labor I had been having pretty strong contractions throughout the night and morning. However, they disappeared and I decided to take a nap. I was woken about 1 hour into my nap by a really sudden sharp pain. I stood up to help with the pain and water trickled out. I thought I peed myself so I went and peed. When I stood up again it still kept trickling. That's when I knew my water had broken. My contractions started about 30 minutes after this and they came fast and hard every 2.5 minutes.
-
What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging thing for me was trying to get comfortable during the pain. It was the most uncomfortable on the 1 hour car ride to the birthing center. I wasn't able to find a good position so I held my my upper hips tight and rubbed my lower back while doing horse lips. Once we got to the birthing center and into the tub the pain let up a ton. My husband and doula were great and applied counter pressure to my hips and rubbed my back.
-
IMG_2711
-
What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Watching the mama natural videos helped my husband and I out a lot. I think the positions, counter pressure , and horse lips were the most important, helpful things I gained from the videos. I also read all of Ina Mays child birth books. The parts where other mothers detailed their birth stories was empowering.
-
What surprised you about your birth?
I was most suprised by how fast my labor was. From my water breaking to my daughter being born it was only 4 hours.
-
It helped ease my mind about natural childbirth. I felt prepared and knew what to expect at every stage.
-
What pain relief strategies worked best?
The birthing tub with warm water and my husband and doula applying counterpressure / rubbing my back.
-
What position did you end up delivering in?
Squatting in the tub
-
How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Holding my daughter for the first time was so amazing. I felt so peaceful and serene. This was a VBAC for me and the first thing I said was I did it! I felt so accomplished.
-
How did the Mama Natural Birth Class help you in your childbirth?
It helped ease my mind about natural childbirth. I felt prepared and knew what to expect at every stage. I was also able to incorporate helpful coping strategies suggested from the classes.
