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When did you realize you were really in labor?
My water broke. But I wasn't really in labor. I used a whole bunch of natural methods, but I still wasn't having regular contractions. It wasn't until I was given a low dose of pitocin, then the contractions really were real and labor was starting, about 36 hours after my water broke.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I wound up having to take some pitocin to push the labor along as there was concern about infection. Otherwise, it was a natural childbirth. For me, the hardest part was dealing with the rules of the hospital, having to wear the monitors and stuff. The pain was somehow tolerable ^v^
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Regular yoga practice - physical, mental and emotional control and strengthening.
That helped me get through it all.
Taking a natural childbirth class was wonderful. We learned lots of tips about massage and hospital interventions that were truly useful. Being able to visualize and understand what is happening makes the unknown of childbirth a little less scary.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How amazing and enjoyable it was! Seriously, I thought right away that I want to do this again ^v^
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How amazing and enjoyable it was! Seriously, I thought right away that I want to do this again ^v^
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Changing positions, massage, water!!
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On hands and knees, with a birth ball between my chest and the bed.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Weird. Amazing. Surreal.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Get good support - partner, doula, midwives.
Exercise, prepare your body.
Learn about childbirth, what will happen.
Learn how to trust yourself.
