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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I was scheduled for an induction for Sunday evening, my 42 week mark. I had regularly attending acupuncture sessions in the week leading up to the induction date with the hope that things would get going on their own. On Friday evening after a particularly long session that my husband attended with me, I felt contractions come on that were more intense and rhythmic than the mesnstrual-like contractions I’d been experiencing on and off all week.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Truly believing that I could do it. It was hard to remember to ride out each contraction on its own terms and to accept the peace that came after each one. Labor is such a feat of mental strength and though I knew on my heart I could do it, my brain often wanted me to try to see the situation in a larger, big picture way which wasn’t conducive to being focused and in the moment.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
The Mama Natural Guide to childbirth was amazing as was reading positive birth stories so generously shared by others. These helped me to visualize my own birth story and made me confident come labor time. Prenatal yoga was also hugely helpful—meditations and strengthening exercises I learned in class I brought home with me and practiced daily in the weeks leading up to my baby’s birth.
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What surprised you about your birth?
That I could do it!!! That I could be so patient through each contraction and just live and ride out each one. I was also surprised at how much I yelled! Yelling became a really important tool for me while pushing and the nurse who helped deliver my baby was great about using the various decibels of my yelling as a coaching tool!
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That I could do it!!! That I could be so patient through each contraction and just live and ride out each one.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
The tub was awesome. When I got to the hospital I was about 6cm dilated but it took awhile to get me checked in and for baby to wake up so that I could get on the tub ( who knew babies could sleep through labor?!). Once I got in that tub the warm water soothed my back almost immediately. My husband got in with me and my doula comforted me by changing water temperatures. I also used nitrous gas during the transition to take the edge off some of the stronger contractions, and this was a good choice for me. However, when it came time to push the machine had run out of gas and was making this terrible noise. I kept using it, however, putting the mask regularly to my face during contractions (placebo effect maybe??)
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On my side in a bed, with one leg up.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
I can’t even find words. Shock. Disbelief and intense relief. He was beautiful and I felt so powerful.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
I realized afterwards the degree to which labor is an experience that is as physical as it is emotional/mental. Having a strong support team was really important to me, especially in my low moments. My doula, husband, and the awesome nurse who was there from start to finish supported me all the way through. You are so powerful—you got this!
