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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I was walking the dog and started feeling more pressure. This was my fourth child so I knew what to expect, so I got equally excited and scared! An hour after I got home I had some leakage and minor contractions but wanted to get to the midwife before it was too late because my previous labors went fast.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I think a lot of women get confused in believing that going natural is a difficult thing. I've had all 4 of my kids without any pain management and I believe the game is mostly mental, but with so many hormones and expectations in the delivery room some moms feel pressured to make decisions that aren't natural. So the most challenging thing to me was managing other people's expectations, even my husband's. He would say "you're so strong!!!" And I would only reply that I am no hero and my body and baby know what to do!
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I called my mom who has worked in the medical field her whole life. She always cheers me on and assures me that everything is ok. After that I reminded myself that the pain is only temporary, and I didn't want to miss a moment of this miracle on medication that would alter my ability to bond with my baby.
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What surprised you about your birth?
This time I was most surprised with how fast it went, my third child was out in about 40 minutes of labor and this time only 20-25. It was surreal.
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You are stronger than you think!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Breathing! And squeezing my husband's hand.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On my back.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Out of this world. She was warm, pink, and beautiful. She lay on my chest for almost an hour. We delayed the cord cutting and just shared quiet moments together.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
You are stronger than you think!
