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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I was induced at 37 weeks 2 days because of low amniotic fluid (Amniotic Fluid Index = 3). My cervix was closed and posterior. I received Cytotec (a medication used to start labor). From initial induction to active labor, I was laboring for 24. Then, I was in active labor for 10 hours.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I was nervous about needing to be induced without pain medication. My first born was induced for low amniotic fluid index (~7 units at 39 weeks 2 days). I received oxytocin and had an epidural. I was adamant that I wanted to avoid oxytocin if possible during this labor because I knew how painful those contractions were with my first experience.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
My husband and I hired a doula. She met with us before birth to teach us and practice positions to help with pain management. She was at our side during active labor and advocated for us. She and my husband were hands on to help alleviate my back pain (back labor the majority of the contractions). But the most helpful thing I personally did to prepare for childbirth was tell myself I wanted to have a natural birth and tell myself that I could accomplish it.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I was surprised by how quickly I healed after this natural delivery compared to my delivery with an epidural. I honestly could FEEL/SEE internally my baby moving along the birth canal and intuitively knew when and how to push to guide my baby into this world. It was an experience I can't accurately explain, except that the feeling translated to sight in my mind. Because of this sense, I believe I didn't OVER push to birth my baby. I had grade 3 tears with my first birth (epidural) and only 2 minor tears that didn't need any medical intervention during my natural birth.
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Honestly, you can do it. If you want to, you can and you will. You tell yourself that you are going to, and your resolve is what pushes it to happen.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Hands on assistance for physical support of my back and hips, laboring on my hands/knees, cool wash clothes with lavender essential oils (used very sparingly), and positive mantra from my doula ("Breathe down into your uterus and push the breath out" - during contraction. "Rest, you deserve it. Rest. Breathe." - between contractions). In the end, I transitioned and delivered in the hot water tub with my husband supporting my body sitting positioned behind me.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Floating in a deep tub, on my back.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Blissful.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Honestly, you can do it. If you want to, you can and you will. You tell yourself that you are going to, and your resolve is what pushes it to happen. I was skeptical of any woman claiming they wanted a natural delivery. I actually laughed at my coworker who said that he and his wife wanted to deliver naturally. I told him how easy my pushing was with my epidural. Hindsight is 20/20...honestly pushing was much easier with natural delivery and I was healed 2 days later instead of 3-4 weeks later. My son's birthday, I thought, "No way. I can't do this ever again. The labor was so painful." Then the next day, I reflected on the entire experience and thought of how incredible it was, how little pain I was experiencing afterward, and my husband and I decided we want at least 1 more child (with our doula and a natural tub birth again). Believe in yourself.
