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When did you realize you were really in labor?
My contractions started on a Monday night at 11:30, but I didn’t realize I was really in labor until the next day when we went to the doctors office. He checked me and I was already dilated to a 5!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging thing about going natural was going through the transition phase and knowing what time it was. I’m usually in asleep in bed by the time we made it to the hospital at 9 PM!
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Workout! Staying active before and during my pregnancy was absolutely the most helpful thing I did to prepare for childbirth. It definitely encourages me to stay active post childbirth, allowing me to stay healthy for baby and not having any PPD.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I was surprised by how easy it was because everyone kept telling me how painful and long labor was. I was at the hospital 5 hours before birthing my baby girl and I never once felt like I was going to be there forever or had so much pain. I also recovered very well, allowing me to be the best for my husband and baby, even though I have a champion husband?
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Heaven! Everything about holding my baby for the first time felt amazing!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Hip squeezes and breathing techniques from my doula and husband. All of my labor pain was in my hips and lower back, so that helped a ton!
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I was lying on the bed, but I used a squat bar to help deliver.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Heaven! Everything about holding my baby for the first time felt amazing! What I thought I’d be worried about (vernix, blood, etc.) didn’t bother me. She was my prize after a tough workout! I can still feel how she felt in my arms holding her for the first time.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
DO IT! Stay strong, stay focused in the moment, don’t look ahead or behind. Stay in the moment and breathe. You can do it! It may be painful, tough, and long, but you’re getting a God sent angel to hold in your arms at the end and nothing else matters!?
