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When did you realize you were really in labor?
It was Tuesday night around 9 o'clock that I realized I'd been having contractions for a few hours. I thought my water broke (turned out to be a high leak), so I called my midwife and headed to the birth center. I was there for almost 24 hours and no baby. Nothing was really happening even after they broke my water. It was full of meconium, so they were concerned about that. I'd already had pitocin, and still nothing was happening. They suggested that I head to the hospital because they felt like they had done everything they could safely do.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I labored for 40 hours and pushed for 3. My baby's heart rate kept dropping and it finally got to the point where it didn't come back up. They then rushed me in for an emergency C-section. This was obviously disappointing to me, but I knew it was best for the baby.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
The most helpful thing was a child birth education class that my midwife taught. It really helped me to be prepared for what I was going to do.
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What surprised you about your birth?
The only thing that surprised me was that my birth canal was too small for my baby to fit through.
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You can do it! But listen to those around you if things don't go as planned. And don't feel guilty if you end up like I did. At the end of the day, all that matters is that you and your baby are safe!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Changing positions and deep breathing.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
C-section
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It felt amazing! I couldn't believe she was finally here and that I was finally holding her. And I was definitely relieved that she was ok since she had to be resuscitated right after she was born.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
You can do it! But listen to those around you if things don't go as planned. And don't feel guilty if you end up like I did. At the end of the day, all that matters is that you and your baby are safe!
