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When did you realize you were really in labor?
When my water broke at 10:00 pm after lying in bed for about 10 mins. I heard and felt a pop, so I went to the bathroom and just made it to the toilet before a flood of fluid came out.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I had prepared, planned, and read books about a vaginal unmedicated birth. I ended up stalling at 8 cm for 7 hours. I was exhausted and had been running on no sleep and hadn't eaten anything all night. I ended up getting an epidural due to pure exhaustion.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I drank red raspberry leaf tea starting at 37 weeks and bounced on a yoga ball. I made sure to stay as active as possible, which wasn't too difficult considering I have a 4 and 2 year old at home. When contractions started coming I rubbed clary sage oil on my belly and feet as often as I remembered to.
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What surprised you about your birth?
This is my third baby and the first time my water broke on its own. I figured my labor would go fast. I ended up stalling at 8 cm for 7 hours and this was my most intense and difficult labor by far.
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You can do it. Your body is made to do this. Focus and don't fight contractions.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
I focused on breathing through each contraction and made sure to avoid the use of the word "pain." Contractions are not meant to be painful. They can become painful if you fight them and tense up your body. I focused on relaxing and changed my position frequently. When contractions became stronger, more frequent, and more intense I swayed my hips, had my husband rub my back, and localized through them with humming. I made it through 9 hours of active labor before I got an epidural.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I was lying almost flat on my back. It's certainly not an ideal position to deliver in, but my last baby had shoulder dystocia so the doctor wanted me in that position just in case this baby had it too. Thankfully she did not.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
I was so shocked she was a girl. We didn't find out what We were having and I was so certain we were having a boy that I was shocked. I kept saying "I can't believe she's a girl!" I was also so in love and I felt beyond blessed.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
You can do it. Your body is made to do this. Focus and don't fight contractions. Read Grantly Dick-Read's book Childbirth Without Fear and Ina May Gaskin's Guide to Childbirth. Avoid the use of the word "pain." Stay hydrated and rest as much as you can. Drink raspberry leaf tea, use clary sage essential oil, and eat 6 dates a day in the last trimester (I was unable to do this because the dates made me gag). If you're delivering at the hospital, stay home as long as you can. You most likely will not deliver in your car, especially if this is your first baby. Don't beat yourself up if you need to use IV pain medication or an epidural. Focus on the fact that the important thing is that you end up with a healthy mom and baby.
