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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I was induced at the hospital. I experienced leaking for a few days but thought it was just from my bladder as it wasn't continuous. On the morning they decided to induce me, I experienced some bleeding and that's when I rang my midwife and told her about the leaking I had the last few days.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Going through the contractions and doubting myself that I can actually get through this.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
My husband and I attended Calmbirth classes which teaches you to relax through childbirth, breathing calmly through the contractions and to really just trust our bodies and let go rather than fight against it. I also watched and read up positive birth stories which helped build my confidence in myself. Also, just having a great support system around helped a lot especially since they knew what I wanted my labor and birth to be like.
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What surprised you about your birth?
From the time I was induced to when she was born, I was only in labor for 3.5 hours. I thought I'd be in labor for hours end before she came! Also, I was surprised at how the body just knows what to do to get the baby out. The urge to push is just so real!
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Trust yourself and your body. Let everything go and breathe calmly through each contraction. View your contractions as a step closer to meeting your little one. Make sure to also surround yourself with only positive stories of births because it is the most amazing and rewarding thing a woman can go through. You got this mama!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Breathing through the contractions and just focusing on the breathing helped. Also, being able to be leaning on the edge of the bed helped me cope as a contraction came through.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Due to me being induced and having to be monitored, I had to deliver on my back.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
I felt so relieved to be able to hold my baby. After the whole 9 months and the labor, it felt surreal to have her in my arms. So much love and joy just overcame me that the pain of labor just disappeared instantly.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Trust yourself and your body. Let everything go and breathe calmly through each contraction. View your contractions as a step closer to meeting your little one. Make sure to also surround yourself with only positive stories of births because it is the most amazing and rewarding thing a woman can go through. You got this mama!
