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When did you realize you were really in labor?
When my contractions continued despite being in the shower. I had been placed on bed rest about a month prior to being in labor. I had been experiencing contractions off and on, but very inconsistent. Once I got in the shower and they didn't slow I knew we were for real.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Pushing. At 10 cm my uterus decided not to help me push so it was me doing all the pushing. I remember at one point looking at my L & D nurse and saying "I can't do this" and her saying "You ARE doing it. You've got this." I pushed for two hours before she finally was out.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I took a labor and delivery class and also read the book "Ina May's Guide to Childbirth." I initially skipped all the empowering birth stories, but when I went back and read them it honestly made me really confident going into my labor.
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What surprised you about your birth?
That as soon as it was over I felt like I could do it again. I honestly was so clear-minded and energetic afterwards it was truly surprising to me.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Moving around. Staying in bed was the worst for me so as soon as I could, I asked them to let me up to move around to keep my mind off the pain.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Laying back. Which was dumb, but it was what it was.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Awesome. Her little fingers were so long and it truly was like angels rushing in the room. She was so alert and quieted right when she heard my voice.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Take it one contraction at a time, one breath at a time. Don't think about all of it, just say "I'm going to make it through this contraction." Rest between them as much as possible....try to laugh and be silly before they get super intense. And if its your first time, DEFINITELY consider getting a doula. Its really romantic to think "Oh, it will be great just my partner and me." Nope. Get a good friend, a certified doula, or another woman who can advocate for you and support you during birth. Look at the statistics. Its worth the money.
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How did the Mama Natural Birth Class help you in your childbirth?
Take it one contraction at a time, one breath at a time. Don't think about all of it, just say "I'm going to make it through this contraction." Rest between them as much as possible....try to laugh and be silly before they get super intense.
