having Her Husband There And Ready Helped Rebekah During Her Hospital Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I was induced at 38+5 with cytotec and the Foley bulb catheter due to polyhydramnios and some blood pressure complications.. .I felt hard contractions after my water broke around 5 centimeters. Up until then, the polyhydramnios had not allowed me to feel the contractions very much beforehand, although I was having contractions every 2 minutes according to the monitor. Very intense back labor quickly started!

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

I think the most challenging thing was knowing that my labor could be either fast or slow, and not knowing how long I'd need to "endure" it. I also think that feeling the hard contractions start so suddenly threw me off mentally, since it went from pain levels of about 2 to pain levels of about 8 or 9 very quickly.

What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?

I think that the best thing was to have my husband there and ready. He was honestly the best and most comforting support, even though most of the time he was just holding my hands during contractions.

What surprised you about your birth?

I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly things moved along after my water broke, since the midwife had said my labor could be very slow because of the induction. I was only in hard labor for about 6 hours before being ready to push. I was also surprised at how irresistible the feeling is to push! Finally, I was so surprised by how weird and good it felt when my daughter popped out--like a big pop followed by the feeling of her body wriggling out. So cool!

It was surreal! To feel her wiggly little body on the outside of me, to finally see her face, and to have her latch on to nurse so quickly were just such wonderful sensations.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

Vocalizing was what helped me, although I needed to remind myself to keep my voice in a lower range and not scream. I had hoped that being in the laboring tub would help, but unfortunately it seemed to make things more intense.

What position did you end up delivering in?

I ended up delivering in a seated squat at the edge of the bed with my husband supporting one leg and my nurse supporting the other.

How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?

It was surreal! To feel her wiggly little body on the outside of me, to finally see her face, and to have her latch on to nurse so quickly were just such wonderful sensations.

What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?

Have your partner or someone supportive there with you, and communicate your desires very clearly to the hospital staff. Don't be afraid to yell, either, if that's what brings some relief!