-
When did you realize you were really in labor?
I was nearing 42 weeks and was getting pretty antsy. I had heard walking quickly on a treadmill could help get labor going, so I did so for about an hour and a half. During this, very light contractions began. I was using my contraction timer App while I continued walking. They were pretty sporadic and not painful. I was pretty excited that this could be it! When I was done and walking towards my car, they slowly subsided to my dismay. My next course of action was doing what my midwife suggested: using a breast pump for 10 minutes and taking a break for 5 minutes. I did this for 2 hours straight as she instructed. During my 5 minute breaks,I also rubbed Clary Sage oil on my stomach. During this pumping session, I noticed the contractions coming back, and with full force! These were way stronger than the ones that I had while walking! I was worried that they would go away gradually when I was done pumping. Thankfully, they didn't! They increased in power as the hours went on and they were in a good pattern. My pumping session ended at 5, and around midnight is when they were 3-4 minutes apart for an hour, so we headed to the birth center!
-
What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging thing about going natural was not having anything to help with the pain. I had been in a Bradley Method course that taught me the negative effects that an epidural can have on the mother and baby, so I knew not to get one. However, my labor lasted 36 hours. I was exhausted- mentally, emotionally, and physically. The contractions hurt, yes, but what I wanted more than anything was a break so that I could sleep! I delivered in a birthing center where the option of pain medicine wasn't available, so eventually I was begging my husband, sister, and birthing team to take me to the ER (there was no birthing hospital in that town) so that I could get some pain medicine. They surrounded me with prayer and encouraged me to hang on. I'm so glad they did.
-
05-03-17-5
-
What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
The most helpful thing I did to prepare for childbirth was to join a 12 week Bradley Method course. This course educated my husband and I on optimal exercises and nutrition during pregnancy, the husband's role in both pregnancy and childbirth, the stages of labor, natural laboring techniques, and more. The education my husband and I received from the course helped give us new views on pregnancy and childbirth. We also loved that the course allowed the dad to play such a vital part in the pregnancy and childbirth. Another helpful thing I did was to have a list of bible verses that I read to ease any worries or fears I had about childbirth.
-
What surprised you about your birth?
The three things that surprised me the most about my birth was
1. Butt Labor. I had no idea this existed. I had heard plenty of 'back labor" stories, but nothing prepared me for butt labor. By the time we left for the birthing center, I no longer felt my contractions in my stomach, but only in my booty. I would have much rather had them in my stomach!
2. The duration of my labor. I still can't believe that I went three days and two nights without sleep. Thankfully, once my baby was born, all the adrenaline kept me going. I was able to spend the day bonding with baby without even feeling the need for sleep.
3. Pushing didn't hurt! The movies always show women in labor screaming while pushing and also glaring at their husbands for "doing this to them". Surprisingly, pushing actually felt good. It took about 30 minutes of instructed pushing. But with each contraction, it felt like God was giving me this womanly, supernatural power and strength. I felt like I could push for hours because of all the strength He gave me. It didn't even hurt when my baby was crowning. And what a relief and release I felt when his whole body emerged and he was placed upon my chest!
-
Holding my baby for the first time felt like a dream! I was in AWE when I felt my baby exit my body and saw my midwife hold him in the air for me to see for the first time. When she placed him on my chest, I felt an immediate bond between us. I couldn't believe I FINALLY had my baby in my arms.
-
What pain relief strategies worked best?
The pain relief strategies that worked best for me was having my doula or husband place firm pressure with their hands on my lower back. Making sure I wasn't tensing up my muscles also helped.
-
What position did you end up delivering in?
I ended up delivering in the Classic Position in a birthing tub. I didn't know I would be having a water birth, but I kept my options open. Being in the warm water was what helped me relax the most when I was nearing the end of labor.
-
How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Holding my baby for the first time felt like a dream! I was in AWE when I felt my baby exit my body and saw my midwife hold him in the air for me to see for the first time. When she placed him on my chest, I felt an immediate bond between us. I couldn't believe I FINALLY had my baby in my arms.
-
What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
The advice I want to give to other mamas who want to go natural is to join some type of natural birthing course, whether it be a Bradley Method, Birth Boot Camp, or something else. There are so many kinds out there. Educate yourself so that you know how to prep yourself for natural birth and also so that you can make the best decisions when it comes to your birth. Even though it was a really long, slow, and frustrating birth, I do not regret it. Labor was tough, but it was worth it.
