-
When did you realize you were really in labor?
I actually went into preterm labor at 31 weeks which was stopped. Since then I'd have contractions 3-7 mins apart pretty regularly. I got prescribed medication for the contractions because it felt like active labor every time I had an episode. But on the night I went into labor it felt different. The contractions were getting pretty intense and were hurting more than usual. So I got in the shower to see if they would stop but that seemed to make them come more. I washed quickly & got out. As I was drying off I saw a little pinkish discharge on my towel & that's when I knew it was time to go to the hospital.
-
What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
This was my third time going natural so I knew what to expect. But the pain is the most challenging to me. I'm fine with the contractions until I hit transitioning. I have fairly quick labors. One was 1.5 hrs and my second a little over 3 hrs so I'm not in labor long but that transition phase feels like an eternity. I always have to yell/moan my way through it.
-
IMG_5838
-
What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Staying active. I walked a lot and did a lot of squats and lunges to help get baby into a good birthing position.
-
What surprised you about your birth?
What surprised me was the amount of time I pushed. I pushed for less than 5 minutes. Baby girl just came right on out.
-
It's a painful experience and many women start to question themselves when the pain starts to get too much. But don't give up mama. When the pain gets too much & you feel like you can't do it anymore that's when it's almost over! Our bodies were made for this, you got this!
-
What pain relief strategies worked best?
For me it had to be focusing on my breathing. Whenever I had a contraction, I closed my eyes and breathed through them. I didn't fight against them or tense my body.
-
What position did you end up delivering in?
I delivered laying down but at an incline
-
How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It felt AMAZING. Whether it's your first, second or third child that feeling never gets old. I couldn't believe that this beautiful, tiny little person was mine.
-
What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
My advice is to remain positive and believe that you can do it. Unfortunately there are still many people who feel 'why go through the pain when you can get an epidural and I had plenty of people like that who tried to discourage me & tell me I'm crazy for wanting to go through the pain & tried to push epidurals on me. You have Hobbs confident in your decision. During labor just remember why you made the decision to go natural. It's a painful experience and many women start to question themselves when the pain starts to get too much. But don't give up mama. When the pain gets too much & you feel like you can't do it anymore that's when it's almost over! Our bodies were made for this, you got this!
