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When did you realize you were really in labor?
Pretty much an hour after contractions started at home. I woke up with contractions at 3:30 am, stayed in bed till 4:30, then realized it was too painful to stay in bed. I didn't think I was close though because I had only been having contractions for an hour. By 5:30, I knew I had to call the OB/GYN's Office because the contractions were so intense.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The pushing was really hard for me this time around. With my first baby, the pushing was easier than the contractions. This time, the pushing was more painful. I started to feel really panicky and scared when
it came time to push, but my husband was great in supporting me. He prayed for me which helped a ton. Also, the midwife was so supportive and encouraging. The midwife helped me figure out positions to push in so I would not tear, as Intore really bad last time ( pushing on my back). I only tore a little as a result.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I made up my mind that I wanted to deliver naturally and that I didn't wasn't a bunch of unnecessary interventions. I talked with one of the midwives before hand about what I wanted, and found that they were completely supportive. Also, trusting in the Lord Jesus who made my body to be able to bring a child into this world. This was really the number 1 thing. I prayed all throughout my pregnancy that Jesus would help me through it, and of course He did!! I also read positive child birth stories. Everyone has their horror stories, but I loaded up with positive natural stories to encourage myself. Talking with my husband about it really prepared me too, he was so supportive and wanted to assist me in any way possible.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How much different it was with a midwife, compared to having a doctor deliver. With the midwife, I was so much more in control of the birth of my child. The midwife let me take the lead, offering suggestions when I asked. The midwife was also so much more of a support. She rubbed my back with lavender oil, put warm. towels on me while I was pushing so I would mot tear, offered supportive encouragement to keep me going. I would highly recommend having a midwife a attend your birth, if you are looking for MRI control in your labor and delivery.
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Pure relief and then overwhelming joy!! Wouldn't trade the feeling for anything.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Breathing...and screaming!! Afterward, I felt kind of silly for screaming, but it really helped. Having my husband as a support. He rubbed my feet during contractions which helped me focus less on the pain.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On my side. This helped me to not tear much, like I did with my first child ( delivered on my back).
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Pure relief and then overwhelming joy!! Wouldn't trade the feeling for anything.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Make up your mind, have your husband get on board (attend a child birth class together to start), read up on natural birth and why you want to go natural, and pray. Talk to God about what you want your birth to be like, He cares about every detail.
