-
When did you realize you were really in labor?
When my water broke
-
What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Labor was only 1:50, I was nearly to transition when I was obviously in labor, and didn’t experience much in the way of endorphin release to help deal with the contractions of transition or phase 2 of birth.
-
28B34242-4BD3-47FC-86D1-14B519BBE987
-
What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Learned how to let go and follow my body’s signals. Even when the intensity seemed more than I could bear, I was able to relax my body physically. I knowledge of the phases and sensations of labor also helped me to recognize where I was in the process and know that I was moving quickly through the phases.
-
What surprised you about your birth?
The speed of labor in its entirety and how quickly he descended through the birth canal. My first born (also at home) was 9 lbs and took 8 hours of pushing to progress through the birth canal, and my second was over 10 lbs and only took about 20 minutes to make his way.
-
The mental work and relaxation exercises are critical to help prepare your mind to allow your body to relax and let go to let labor take its course.
-
What pain relief strategies worked best?
Relaxation and staying confident that although the intensity was real, it would be over soon.
-
What position did you end up delivering in?
Quadruped, then half squat. All in the water.
-
How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Relieved. Glad to have labor and birth complete, and now be holding him in my arms instead of my uterus.
-
What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
The mental work and relaxation exercises are critical to help prepare your mind to allow your body to relax and let go to let labor take its course.
