-
When did you realize you were really in labor?
Three days after consistent contractions began... I was up all night laboring on a birth ball. When my husband woke up in the morning, I could no longer talk through the contractions, he decided it was time to go!
-
What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I haven't experienced differently, but I imagine labor would have been much more difficult if I wasn't able to move around freely or eat honey & drink tea for energy!
-
IMG_3872-copy
-
What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Educated myself on the natural birth process, possible complications, and interventions that are available both in and out of the hospital.
-
What surprised you about your birth?
Active labor lasted 27 hours! But looking back, I didn't realize how much time had passed in the moment.
-
Trust the Lord will guide you in your preparations, during labor, and after birth. I've heard it said, "You would never try to run a marathon without proper training, yet so many women enter labor and delivery with little to no preparation."
-
What pain relief strategies worked best?
Deep abdominal breathing. Rocking on a labor ball and walking around the birth center facility.
-
What position did you end up delivering in?
I tried the birthing tub several times but couldn't get in a comfortable position for pushing. And I wasn't able to push effectively laying on my back in bed. After 24 hours of active labor, I was too exhausted to stand on my hands and knees, or squat. When a new midwife started her shift with me, it didn't take long for her to convince me to rest my bottom on the edge of the toilet and to put one foot in her lap and the other in my husband's. I'm so thankful she recommended this position because to my surprise, it was most comfortable! Also, it was extremely cooling to lie back and rest on the porcelain, there was a handle on the wall for me to support myself, & it was very easy for my friend to give me a drink & cool washcloth.
-
How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
The rush of hormones & emotion was like nothing I've ever felt! I remember I couldn't feel any pain for the next 20 minutes while we held her & the midwife & nurse cleaned up. There's a photo of me holding our little one & I don't think my eyes could have opened any wider! :)
-
What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Trust the Lord will guide you in your preparations, during labor, and after birth. I've heard it said, "You would never try to run a marathon without proper training, yet so many women enter labor and delivery with little to no preparation." Educating yourself about the natural birth process and talking to experienced mothers who have a positive attitude towards natural birth can be extremely encouraging. It's also important to familiarize yourself with the possible complications and the risks and benefits of the interventions available to you, so you can make confident decisions when difficulties arise. Also, I believe it's crucial to have a partner (or two!) to serve you, encourage you, help you make decisions, & to document the event. I can't imagine having to go through labor alone!
