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When did you realize you were really in labor?
7:15 PM my water broke.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I had epidurals and inductions with my first two. I was determined not to go that route again. When it came time to push, the pressure on my rectum was so intense, I said I didn't want to do push anymore. Two pushes later, my baby was in my arms.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Researching the effects of Pitocin and epidurals regarding tearing helped me to go natural. I also had an amazing support team all throughout my pregnancy. They introduced me to Mama Natural and connected me to a midwife who gave me advice on what additional supplements to take other than the multivitamin my doctor suggested.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I was surprised how quickly my total labor went. I was 41 weeks exactly when he was born. My water broke around 7:15 PM and our baby was born at 1:00 AM. It was a totally different experience than being induced. The contractions built steadily and then I had an overwhelming desire to push. There was no stopping me. The doctor didn't make it in time. It was really quick.
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Researching the effects of Pitocin and epidurals regarding tearing helped me to go natural
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Breathing through the pain and resting between the contractions helped.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I started on my knees but felt like I needed to be on my back so that's what I did.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It was surreal. With the pressure on my rectum, I didn't fully realize I was actually pushing out the baby so when they said I had to push because his head was out, I was shocked. I held him in my arms and was amazed at his perfectness and that I did it naturally.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Do your research. Know why you're doing this for you and your baby. Being well informed gives you the strength to stick with your decision.
