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When did you realize you were really in labor?
At 38 weeks and 4 days, I woke up around 4:30 in the morning with light cramping. I started to time my contractions and they were fairly regular right away. By 6:30 am I knew it was the real thing!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Being offered the epidural as soon as I walked into the hospital! Once my husband made it clear we wanted to go natural (and after the staff reviewed my birth plan) they stopped offering. Of course I asked for it over the course of the labor but the staff, my Doula, and my husband made sure to help me focus and support me.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I believe the combination of eating dates daily 6 weeks prior helped reduce my labor time (8hours after my water broke), a wonderful hypnobirthing course with daily affirmations from an app, and reading natural birth stories supported me both in preparation for and during my natural birth.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I was most surprised that my water didn’t break when my contractions started! My contractions started almost 9 hours before my water actually broke. I am so glad I labored at home during that time! I was able to walk around the block (several times!), take a long shower, and watch a movie. Up until my water broke, contractions were completely manageable and I was happy that when I arrived at the hospital I was 5cm dilated.
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Listen to your body and have a positive internal dialogue. Be clear and assertive with hospital staff on the birth you want. In the moment you might be questioning your decision because the pain can be seemingly unbearable but the minute you deliver your baby you will be forever grateful for your decision.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
The pain was real and sometimes it felt bigger than me. I embraced it as much as possible and reminded myself that I had chosen this path for my daughter and so she could start her journey alert, calm, and free of any medication. I would encourage mamas to discuss preferences and likes prior to labor with your birthing partner so they know how to support you in the moment.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I ended up delivering on my back, surprisingly all other positions were uncomfortable to me and the rest laying on my back provided was what I needed! I needed my husband and a nurse to help support me in an upright position for pushing since I was so tired, but when all was said and done I only pushed for an hour.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
She was the most beautiful, delicate, and perfect little body. I was so excited to see what she looked like and I immediately felt the journey was complete.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Listen to your body and have a positive internal dialogue. Be clear and assertive with hospital staff on the birth you want. In the moment you might be questioning your decision because the pain can be seemingly unbearable but the minute you deliver your baby you will be forever grateful for your decision.
