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When did you realize you were really in labor?
When I started vommiting.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Not wanting to be induced and stressing out at the idea of unwanted interventions.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Reading Ina May's guide to childbirth and Grantly Dick-Read's "Birth Without Fear", studying hypnobirthing, reading positive birth stories, having an awesome relationship with my midwife, and staying active and healthy all throughout pregnancy,
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What surprised you about your birth?
How it really wasn't that painful. I kept expecting it to get worse, but each contraction made me stronger and feel more rushes of energy. I can't wait to give birth all natural again!
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Embrace the pain instead of working against it. Trust your body and seize the capabilities of it. Think of all the women before you that birthed naturally and channel that energy.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
"Checking out" and taking my mind to an alternate reality. With each contraction, I would imagine I was at the beach standing at the shore. As the contraction would come in I would hug my body pillow and imagine the wave coming at my feet and as the contraction would ease it was the ocean swallowing back up the sea. I found it soothing and relaxing to take my mind to an alternate reality.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Regrettably, the standard birthing position on my back. My midwife did encourage me to try different positions but I was comfortable on my back. Next time I will try a different birthing position.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
So empowering. I was amazed at what my body produced and what it is capable of.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Embrace the pain instead of working against it. Trust your body and seize the capabilities of it. Think of all the women before you that birthed naturally and channel that energy.
