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When did you realize you were really in labor?
Around 5pm on Monday, September 19th.
I'd been having irregular contractions for weeks, I'd woken up three times with contractions Sunday night but thought it was from walking with my toddler in the carrier for hours in an emergency room the night before (waiting for my preschooler to be seen for stitches in his chin).
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
This was my third birth, all of which were natural, so this time, I didn't find it challenging at all. The contractions were intense as I went from 5cm to birthing in less than 45 minutes but I don't consider that to have been challenging.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Block out all negative birth stories and thoughts. Watching natural, calm, devoted birth videos, practicing positive affirmations and envisioning the birth I wanted really made an incredible difference in my birth experience.
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What surprised you about your birth?
The intensity of the fast progression and the way this baby came out in one contraction, while I was telling my husband "I'm pushing. The head is out. The baby is out."
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It takes work and preparation but you can do it. Your state of mind, how you feel about birth going into it, will make ALL the difference in your birth experience. It CAN be amazing. It really truly can be something you look back on with fond memories and bliss (and not just the end when you hold your baby).
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Breathing and talking myself through them with positive affirmations. "The harder the contractions, the more work they're doing and the sooner my baby will be here."
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Squatting in the tub leaning over the edge.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Euphoric. I could not believe that she was here so quickly and so easily before the midwives got into the room.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
It takes work and preparation but you can do it. Your state of mind, how you feel about birth going into it, will make ALL the difference in your birth experience. It CAN be amazing. It really truly can be something you look back on with fond memories and bliss (and not just the end when you hold your baby).
