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When did you realize you were really in labor?
He was born at 12:45 AM on Friday morning, 11/3. Two days before I started having contractions that were about 30 minutes apart. I also slowly started leaking water. Our midwife encouraged me to continue on with my day as usual as I could still be a ways out. She also encouraged going out for some walks and a visit to the chiropractor to ensure Baby was positioned well. Sure enough after walking a few miles and within just 1 hour of that visit contractions moved to every 10 minutes around 4 PM on Thursday. Things were starting to get real.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
So many unknowns leading up to active labor. The surprise of the arrival date, not knowing the gender, needing to have a variety of plans for what to do with our 3 older kids, and we go as intervention-free as possibly so no ultrasounds or knowing if there was any dilation and effacement progress. But honestly, that anxiety is truly pure excitement especially as the arrival date gets closer.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Reviewing Bradley Method materials, practicing yoga poses for labor, eating healthy and staying active.
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What surprised you about your birth?
That he arrived only 3 days past the ‘due date’! My other 3 were 7, 10, and 11 days past so for our kiddos he was early! He was also our smallest boy at 9lbs, 7oz. I also felt as if I was going to be in labor longer but as soon as I got into the tub he came out within 30 minutes.
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It’s so much healthier for you and the baby! Some hours of hard labor seem like nothing compared to adding an entire lifetime to this world. Our bodies are made for this! All 4 of mine were born at home.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Breathing, hip rocking, yoga, and my husband applying counter pressure.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Kneeling in the tub with 1 leg up.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It felt complete. My husband and I always talked about having 4 kids and he is our #4. It was like accomplishing a shared goal. Who knows if we’d ever add another addition but in that moment it was as if we completed our story.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
It’s so much healthier for you and the baby! Some hours of hard labor seem like nothing compared to adding an entire lifetime to this world. Our bodies are made for this! All 4 of mine were born at home. 1 was breech, 1 was a shockingly fast 2 hr labor to a 10 pounder (unassisted because he was so fast), 1 was 11 lbs and our newest addition is also a decently big dude at 9 lbs 7 oz. And I’m only 5’3” 115 lbs when not pregnant! Trust yourself!
