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When did you realize you were really in labor?
This being my second child, it was much easier to determine. The night of the Fourth Of July, I knew it was almost time. To be honest, I felt very scared suddenly so I asked my husband to pray with me and I felt peace and went to bed. Around 1am I started feeling light contractions, but was able to sleep off and on.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
This time there was no challenge at all. I was only in real pain for about 45 mins.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
With my first birth I took a Childbirth Education Class and just the knowledge gained was very powerful. My mantra was "pain with a purpose" and "my body was created to do this".
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What surprised you about your birth?
My second birth I was never really in active labor. I was in early labor all day, but the contractions were very light and enjoyed walking, eating, laughing, and time spent with my husband. Suddenly at 9pm my water broke. I didn't really want to leave for the hospital yet because I wanted to stay at home for a long time, but when I called my midwife she suggested I come. I called my doula friend and my husband grabbed my bag and we got into the car. As soon as I got in the car, I had a strong contraction and felt my babies head very close to crowning. I told my husband, "you need to go NOW!". I was panting as to not push. After a wrong turn, several wrong entrance attempts, and a rude receptionist; I got to my room, got into position, and pushed Nehemiah out in 2.5 pushes, less than an hour after my water broke!
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I felt very scared suddenly, so I asked my husband to pray with me and I felt peace and went to bed. Around 1am I started feeling light contractions, but was able to sleep off and on.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Mental preparedness, breathing, vocalization, hand and knees.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
First Birth- On my back with feet on the bar.
Second Birth- Kind of on my side
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
First Birth- I wasn't able to :( He was born with a tight nuchal chord, not breathing, seizures and whisked away to special care and then transferred to another hospital NICU. I was able to hold him about 36 hours later and it was scary but hopefully and joyous.
Second Birth- AMAZING- words cannot explain.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
You can do it momma! Your body was created to do birth. Join the women who have done it for thousands of years. Knowledge is power, so learn all you can and focus mentally on one or two things to help you through.
