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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I was dealing with prodromal labor symptoms and time-able contractions (including thinking my water broke while I was in the bath tub) for over 3 weeks approaching my due date, so I was somewhat frustrated and confused as to when it was "go time" since my water broke with my first born and wasn't quite sure what real spontaneous contractions (that initiated labor) were like. The day after my due-date, at around 6AM, I was lounging on the couch because my back was starting to bother me. My husband was standing at the front door ready to leave for work and as soon as he said, "Okay, keep me updated," my water broke (for REAL this time) right there on the couch! My face was probably priceless after that happened! I hopped in the shower, thinking that I had some time before contractions started, but contractions started coming while I was in the shower and started to intensify about 45 minutes later, and since I was Group-B Positive, we had to head to the birth center right away. I labored in the car in morning rush hour traffic for about an hour... but because of the weeks leading up to this day, it wasn't much longer that we would meet our new little man... :)
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
With my firstborn, I gave birth at a hospital, laboring on Pitocin (the old school doc was growing impatient since 12 hours had passed since my water broke and contractions had stalled, and he feared infection) for over 12 hours with no pain medication. Since I never truly experienced natural contractions, with a natural pattern, the whole experience was new to me, so I wasn't sure what exact stage of labor I was in. I also progressed EXTREMELY fast, so I didn't have a lot of time to change positions or lounge in the tub because the contractions got intense so quickly.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Reading other mamas' birth stories who labored naturally helped me stay encouraged. I also enjoyed looking at photos of the whole childbirth experience... they kept me full of excitement and anticipation of the special day, and helped keep fear and anxiety at bay. I was also extremely excited to work as a team with my husband by my side and make new memories, believing and praying for a more blissful childbirth, since our hospital experience was somewhat traumatic for both of us.
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What surprised you about your birth?
The biggest thing that surprised me about my birth experience is how fast it was! We arrived at the birth center at 8 AM and my son was born at 9:40 AM! Such a huge difference from my first birth experience, totaling over 24 hours!
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You are strong, mama! God made your body to do this...there is no reason to let fear in. Trust your body and let it do what it was designed to do. Make sure you have a great support system around you to encourage you and comfort you. You can do this!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Before the contractions were strong and close together, my husband asked if I wanted him to play music on his phone, and I immediately knew what to listen to that would help create a calm atmosphere of God's peace, my favorite Bethel Music worship album. I caught myself singing in between contractions for a bit. As the contractions intensified, I began making low groans/ "O" sounds through them, while I laid on my left side, (with my husband kneeling by the side of the bed) bearing down with my hands in my husband's hands to brace myself. I would continually look at him in the eyes and say "I love you." This helped me stay focused and motivated because we were in this together as a team.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I was upright on my knees with my arms braced around my husband's shoulders.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It felt incredible! So much joy filled the entire room. The first thing I said as I scooped him up was "We did it!!" Then I jokingly said, "You're a slippery little fella!" It was the most perfect day that I won't ever forget.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
You are strong, mama! God made your body to do this...there is no reason to let fear in. Trust your body and let it do what it was designed to do. Make sure you have a great support system around you to encourage you and comfort you. You can do this!
