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When did you realize you were really in labor?
After laboring on the toilet for an hour and letting my body cleanse itself, I finally started timing the contractions and they were anywhere from 5min apart to 10min apart. I decided to jump in the shower to see if that would make the contractions easier to get through (and I wanted to shave my legs! bahaha!)
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Trying to ignore the negative birth stories so that I would stay confident in my own body and my needs. I really wanted what I felt was best for me and my child and I didn't want others' opinions to affect that. I'm so thankful that I followed my own mama instinct.
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BabyJoseph-1808
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
My Lamaze class/ natural childbirth class. My OB offered a natural childbirth class but due to the holidays and the timing of my due date, the classes filled up too quickly and the next one available was going to be too late for my due date. I found a local center that offered a class- the teacher was wonderful! It was a small intimate class size and the teacher did such a good job teaching and sharing her experiences along with bringing in a local doula.
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What surprised you about your birth?
Back labor! I just never heard enough about it and didn't expect it. I guess that is why I was confused as whether I was really in labor or not...it was just very distracting, confusing, and painful.
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Trying to ignore the negative birth stories so that I would stay confident in my own body and my needs. I'm so thankful that I followed my own mama instinct.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Laboring on toilet, laboring in a hot shower and leaning on the wall, breathing!
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On back/ elevated/ slightly squatting
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Surreal, confirmation that I am meant to be a mother, and empowering.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Educate yourself on all the stages of labor, the natural process of what your body does to deliver the baby, all the interventions and what could possibly happen/ effects, change doctors if you feel like he/she isn't listening and taking your lead when necessary, get your partner on board with you (taking classes and being educated and supporting you), and above all...follow your heart and your mama instinct, and do what is best for you and your child...don't let fear take the joy away from you and your experience, you can do this! No matter what happens with your labor and delivery, the moment you hold that child, it's all worth it. You are meant to be the mother of that child. <3 xoxo
