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When did you realize you were really in labor?
My husband and I went for a walk in the afternoon on Christmas day. Around 8:00 that night, we decided to watch a Christmas movie and make some stove top kettle corn. While my husband was making the popcorn, I started feeling some tightness and cramps. But I thought this was just be Braxton Hicks contractions, because they were just low and inconsistent.
Very quickly, by 8:30, the contractions were getting stronger and more consistent - about 8 to 10 minutes apart. I started timing the contractions around 8:45, and by 9:00 they were already only 5 minutes apart. We realized that this was early labor, rather than just Braxton Hicks contractions!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Because my labor went so quickly, the most challenging part was not being able to get into the "groove of things" gradually. The contractions became very strong very early, and I got the urge to push early on as well. The intensity of labor spiked quickly, but at least I got to meet our baby quickly as well!!
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I felt very ready for a natural labor and delivery. The midwives at our birth center were very encouraging throughout the pregnancy, and I had attended prenatal yoga classes with an instructor who was extremely supportive of natural pregnancy and childbirth. I have also been an athlete my entire life, so I think this helped me be prepared to endure the pain and keep going. And eating dates and doing perineal massage the last few weeks of pregnancy probably didn't hurt, either!
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What surprised you about your birth?
I felt ready and able throughout my pregnancy, but I was surprised by how empowered, peaceful, and in control I felt during labor. It was actually very cool to be able to feel everything, which helped me know just what I needed to do with my body and mind in order to bring our baby into the world. The whole experience was very surreal.
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Make the decision and commit to it. Find a birth center/midwife if you can. I have several friends who wanted a natural birth at a hospital, and it just didn't happen. Do prenatal yoga, and find ways to stay active and fit throughout your pregnancy. Practice mindfulness.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Laboring on the toilet helped relieve some pressure, and my husband pressing on my lower back during contractions was extremely helpful. Getting on hands and knees was helpful for back labor, but made me nauseous. Being in the bathtub was actually more uncomfortable during contractions - I discovered that water labor/birth was not for me!
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Squatting while holding on to the footboard of the bed at the birth center.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Completely surreal and magical. There are no words to describe it!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Make the decision and commit to it. Find a birth center/midwife if you can. I have several friends who wanted a natural birth at a hospital, and it just didn't happen. Do prenatal yoga, and find ways to stay active and fit throughout your pregnancy. Practice mindfulness.
