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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I had been experiencing prodromal labor for about a week before going in for a visit with my midwife. When she checked my cervix I was dilated to 5 cm and had been very uncomfortable for several days. We made the decision to break my water and I went into active labor almost immediately.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Negative comments from others about my birth plan and choices.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Prayer! I prayed from the moment I found out I was pregnant for my birth. I prayed that my labor would be short, it wouldn't be painful and my baby and I would be safe! Once my water broke it was only 4.5 hours until my daughter was in my arms. I had a brief moment of pain while pushing but aside from that my birth was intense, but not painful and my baby and I were both perfectly healthy.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I was surprised by how little it hurt. It was my second natural home birth, but my first water birth. Being able to labor and deliver in the water was so wonderful. It's called the midwife's epidural for good reason. I was also surprised that I could feel fed descending with each contraction!
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Being able to labor and deliver in the water was so wonderful. It's called the midwife's epidural for good reason. I was also surprised that I could feel fed descending with each contraction!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Walking around until I was in transition, then laboring and delivering in the water.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Hands and knees
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Pure joy! I was so excited to hold my baby girl and so pleased with how great things went.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Find a good support team, my husband and midwife were incredible and truly helped me have an amazing birth.
