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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I woke up when my husband came to bed around 11. I went to the bathroom and thought I might be having contractions, so I started timing contractions. I woke my husband up at a little after midnight. We were planning on going to the hospital (we live over an hour from the closest hospital), but I delivered our baby at home while my husband was loading up the car and taking care of animal chores. We both thought we had at least a few more hours!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
This birth did not go as planned at all... I planned to deliver naturally but in a hospital. Luckily things progressed so quickly I didn't have time to panic, just time to react.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I used birth affirmations this time. I was worried that my second labor would be worse than my first, so I focused on the thought that this birth would be joyful. And it was. I had so much peace while timing contractions and then while waiting for my husband that I barely even noticed the transition stage happening (which is maybe why I was a little surprised when I realized it was time to push).
The fact that I am an RN, and kind of a labor/birth nerd definitely gave me the knowledge and skills I needed to deliver at home without help!
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What surprised you about your birth?
I was surprised by how capable I was to deliver my baby on my own, as well as my presence of mind to deal with all of the things that had to be done for both me and the baby afterwards.
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Trust your body. You are more than capable, no matter how your labor goes.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Breathing and moving (I did a lot of swaying and hip circles). I think that timing contractions kept my mind busy and off of the pain.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Standing/squatting (I was using the toilet one last time before getting into the car)
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It felt unreal. I really wasn't quite expecting to meet her so quickly. She came out in just two unexpected pushes that I really didn't have control over.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Trust your body. You are more than capable, no matter how your labor goes.
