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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I woke up to very mild contractions that didn't go away after I took a shower.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Becoming weak due to the pain and wanting the medication
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
LOTS OF RESEARCH, sooooooo much research. I also did yoga, watched videos and talked with other mothers about their experiences.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How quickly it went! It started at 3:30am and had him in my arms by the time Game of Thrones came on that night :)
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YOUR BODY WAS MADE FOR THIS. YOU are strong enough to carry and birth your baby. Believe in yourself and surround yourself with like minded and loving people who support your decision to stay natural. You forget the pain the moment you lay eyes on your baby.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Breathing and meditating, I also used a figure eight swaying motion while standing. Every one of my contractions lasted 4 breaths so I breathed in when it started, breathed out at the peak, breathed in while it was fading off and breathed out when it was over. Keeping my eyes closed helped a ton too!
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Hands and knees! I was lying back in the tub with my doula when my water broke, I sat up and started pushing but my midwife had to move me to the bed since the hospital I was in no longer supported water births.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
EXHILARATING! As soon as I saw his face I shouted 'He looks just like Liam!!' (my first born) being able to catch my own baby and bring him to my chest was like being on the highest high you could ever imagine.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
YOUR BODY WAS MADE FOR THIS. YOU are strong enough to carry and birth your baby. Believe in yourself and surround yourself with like minded and loving people who support your decision to stay natural. You forget the pain the moment you lay eyes on your baby.
