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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I was pretty sure I was in labor when the contractions kept coming every 10 minutes. I knew I was in labor when I rolled over and they started coming every two minutes and I had to breathe and move through them. I got dressed real fast and told my husband we needed to go to the hospital NOW.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Honestly, it was that I was doing it for the wrong reasons. I was trying to prove myself to someone else. On top of that, I stalled for a while and that was discouraging because it happened in my first labor too.
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Labor
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I was more active this time solely because I had another child to care for. We took walks for much of my pregnancy, and I was chasing after a toddler each day. I think this made a huge difference. I watched what I ate more, so I didn't gain as much as I had with my first pregnancy.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How quickly it can change! I was sleeping through contractions for an hour and then all of a sudden I had to be up and we were going to the hospital. I flew through dilation for a few hours and then was stuck for several more. Each labor can be similar and incredibly different.
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Do it for the right reasons. If someone doesn't believe in you and thinks you can't do it naturally, don't choose to go natural just to prove them wrong.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Being in any position other than laying down or rocking in a rocker. Standing, hands and knees; holding onto my husband was my favorite position.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I had an epidural but was able to deliver on my side, (my right side). I had a smaller tear with this labor than with my first, and it was faster, so I think not being on my back made a huge difference!
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Magical and an explosion of love. Even though I had given birth before, it was still so unique and amazing to hold my baby for the first time. I forgot how warm and soft babies are! It was special this time because the gender was a surprise and I was able to be the one to look first.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Do it for the right reasons. If someone doesn't believe in you and thinks you can't do it naturally, don't choose to go natural just to prove them wrong. There is no shame in choosing any pain relief. My birth became much more empowering when I realized that and chose the pain relief that I wanted/needed. I am no less of a mother because of that. Our bodies are strong and capable and we can do it, but do it because YOU want to, not because someone else thinks you can't.
