-
When did you realize you were really in labor?
My water broke at 2 AM, 11 days before my due date. It wasn’t until I called my midwife around 7 AM because I didn’t have any contractions that I realized I was actually in labor!
-
What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The transition stage! I labored in the tub during most of transition and it really helped to ease the pain and keep me focused on my baby.
-
9901916B-2275-4B47-9A3F-468CBA0AF042
-
What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I took a natural birthing class (through Rosebud Doula, if you’re in NOVA I HIGHLY recommend her!) with my husband and we learned so many different strategies. These strategies along with being in the right mental space helped prepare me for birth. My favorite mantra that I practiced even before going into labor was “You can do anything for 1 minute. Your body was made for this.”
-
What surprised you about your birth?
How strong and empowered I felt afterward. I felt like I can do anything!
-
It was indescribable. The joy and love rushed over me like a wave and all of the pain and discomfort was immediately forgotten.
-
What pain relief strategies worked best?
Laboring in the tub helped get me through transition, rocking back and forth on the yoga ball, my husband repeating our positive mantras, yogic breathes and keeping a calm and relaxed body (open hands, open body) helped manage the pain.
-
What position did you end up delivering in?
I ended up delivering on my side, holding up my leg.
-
How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It was indescribable. The joy and love rushed over me like a wave and all of the pain and discomfort was immediately forgotten.
-
What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Believe in yourself! Make sure your partner (or doula, mom, sister) is your rock and support system. They will help guide you and keep you focused on your end goal. At the end of it all, you will get to hold your baby and that makes it all worth it.
