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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I started having contractions Sunday morning before church. My family went without me so I could rest and count contractions. We went to the hospital and we knew it was real labor at about 7pm that night. They weren't sure because I was a month early.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I did have an IV pain medication. Natural to me, was avoiding a c-section after having had two in the past. Pushing was the most difficult part. I only was in that phase for maybe 15 minutes, but it was intense and by far the most work.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I am a Christian, so coming to terms with whatever God had in store for me, in spite of my best efforts to prepare, was important. He is the author and finisher of my faith, as well as pregnancy. So I made it an active effort to put my trust in Him.
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What surprised you about your birth?
It went incredibly well! I have had two C-sections in the past, so there weren't many doctors in my area that were willing to try a VBAC after two. I did it with no tearing or complications whatsoever. I couldn't have asked for a better labor and delivery and recovery. Praise be to God!
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It is incredibly rewarding. The recovery after a vaginal birth is so much easier than that of a C-section. I have had both.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Breathing and moving around helped, but I cheated, I guess you could say, by having IV pain medicine.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On my back at the very edge of a raised bed.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Amazing! I was so fatigued, but it was like the rewarding feeling at the end of a long race.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
It is incredibly rewarding. The recovery after a vaginal birth is so much easier than that of a C-section. I have had both.
