-
When did you realize you were really in labor?
I awoke at 4 AM on a Saturday with menstrual-like cramps. I went through the entire day, even went to a track meet while having these cramps. By evening I began thinking, How I wonder if these are real contractions!? After timing them for many hours, and realizing they were pretty consistent, I knew I was in labor.
-
What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Experiencing back-labor pain from the baby being in a face-up position. I could not tolerate lying or sitting and I stood for most of the 41 hrs I labored!
-
7FA9A9DB-3C43-48D8-BCF2-7835D97CAD68
-
What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Watched videos and participated in an online natural birth course (that I took twice during the course of pregnancy)I focused on others’ positive natural birth experiences and tried to block out the worst-case scenario stories.
-
What surprised you about your birth?
Everything! I surprised myself that I was capable of having a natural birth without an epidural, pain meds or other medical interventions. I truly had a “birthing-high” after the baby came. I was also in awe of the nursing staff and Doctor who took care of me. They are special people and were incredibly caring. And was surprised at how involved they encouraged my husband to be during delivery. He played an integral part in helping me deliver our boy! It certainly brought us closer together as a married couple and family.
-
Believe in yourself and in that your body was made to do this without intervention.
-
What pain relief strategies worked best?
Standing, leaning over the bed during contractions, while husband rubbed my back. I also used lavender essential oil for a calming effect. I took each contraction one at a time only thinking only about the present moment. I thought about “relaxing” into the pain and letting it happen to prevent tensing up- which is hard not to do!
-
What position did you end up delivering in?
On my back ( which was my preference) I pushed in sidelying and hands and knees but delivered on my back.
-
How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Surreal.. I felt like I was dreaming. I had my eyes closed during delivery. The Doctor said "open your eyes, he is here". And next thing I know hes ib my arms. It felt incredible.
-
What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Believe in yourself and in that your body was made to do this without intervention. Do not psych yourself out! Have only calming, uplifting people in labor and delivery with you ( less people is best, because you need to focus!) xox
