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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I had mild contractions beginning around midnight when I was 40 weeks, 6 days, but thought it must be Braxton Hicks because I was expecting I would have to be induced again as I was with my firstborn (women in my family tend to go for 42+ weeks before delivering), but around 2:00 am they were consistently 8-10 minutes apart, lasting one minute, and were strong enough that I could no longer lay down through the contractions.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
My biggest challenge was determining when to go to the hospital-- I didn't want to wait too long, but also wanted to do as much laboring at home as possible. Compared to being induced with my firstborn (which I still managed without an epidural), labor was much easier because I had a longer time to rest between contractions.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Tons of prayer! I found such comfort and strength in praying for the Holy Spirit to take control of everything throughout my labor and delivery. I also did lots of walking and squats, as well as dates and red raspberry leaf tea in the third trimester. The day before going into labor I made Mama Natural's Labor Day tea and it definitely seemed to help!
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What surprised you about your birth?
I was surprised at how joyful it was! I loved my first birth experience, but this was even more exciting because I felt that I really had time to rest, both physically and mentally, between contractions (perhaps because I was induced with my firstborn). I was so happy to have gone into labor on my own, so I was able to focus on the joy of that between contractions. I was also surprised at how quickly my labor progressed-- I was hesitant to leave for the hospital because things didn't feel too intense yet, but my husband convinced me it was time to leave and by the time we arrived I was at 8 cm and only had 15 minutes between putting on my hospital gown and holding our newborn!
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If you want the natural experience, please go for it! It may seem daunting because of how childbirth is commonly portrayed in television and movies, but try to remember that is not an accurate portrayal and childbirth can be so very beautiful.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Deep breathing and deep, low moaning. It felt best to be upright and walking around as much as possible. I also reminded myself that each contraction was only for one minute, and I can handle anything for one minute. It also helped to look at newborn pictures of my first son.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I delivered lying on my side. I thought I would try being on all fours or kneeling, but there wasn't enough time to try different positions.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Holding my baby was just as amazing and unreal as it was with my first son. I could not believe he was there, bright eyed and squirming and so perfect. I was immediately hit with those post-delivery love hormones and could not stop laughing and smiling and thanking everyone in the room for being there.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
If you want the natural experience, please go for it! It may seem daunting because of how childbirth is commonly portrayed in television and movies, but try to remember that is not an accurate portrayal and childbirth can be so very beautiful. My son is three weeks old and I still feel like I'm high on that post-delivery oxytocin rush! Going natural has its own difficulties and is intense at times, but it is so very worth it. Your body is completely capable of giving birth to your baby!