-
When did you realize you were really in labor?
Unfortunately I never got the chance to experience labor. I planned on having a natural birth at a wonderful birthing center. At 30 weeks, my baby turned into the breech position and no matter what we tried we could not get him to flip head down. My son was born Cesarean at 39 weeks.
-
What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The fear of the unknown was the most challenging thing about deciding to go natural for me. I heard so many stories from so many people ranging from it was the best experience ever to their worst experience ever. I was fearful of what to expect and if I was really strong enough to do it.
-
image8
-
What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
The most helpful thing I did to prepare for childbirth was trusting myself. I quit listening to horror stories from other people. I believed in myself and began to welcome the idea of labor pain because I knew the pain would serve the purpose of bringing my son into the world. At that point is when I really started to look forward to childbirth.
-
What surprised you about your birth?
I knew that I would not experience labor due to my son being in the breech position but I was still surprised at the experience of delivering via Cesarean. Though my birth did not go as I originally planned, the doctor that ran the birthing center was the same doctor that performed my Cesarean so she respected my wishes to be as natural as possible given the circumstance. We did delayed cord clamping and immediately put my son to my chest for skin to skin while I was being stitched up in the operating room. Overall, I am very happy with my experience and most importantly have a beautiful strong, healthy and happy son.
-
The best advice I can give to other mamas who want to go natural is to trust yourself, do what feels right for you-not what other people say and to be happy with your birth experience regardless if it goes the way you intended or not. While a Cesarean was the last thing I wanted, the most important thing is having a healthy baby and to be okay with whatever your experience ends up being.
-
What pain relief strategies worked best?
The pain relief strategy that worked the best for me was trusting in myself. The knowledge that the pain is only temporary and serves the purpose of bringing life into this world gave me the confidence that I would be able to do this. The pain from surgery has been very difficult but I continue to push through it knowing it is worth it every time I hold my son.
-
What position did you end up delivering in?
Cesarean due to baby being in breech position. We tried almost everything to entice the baby to turn but nothing worked. We did the exercises and recommendations from spinning babies website as well as chiropractic and acupuncture work.
-
How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Amazing! I couldn't believe that my baby was here and he's a real little human being. The reality of it doesn't set in until the first time I held him.
-
What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
The best advice I can give to other mamas who want to go natural is to trust yourself, do what feels right for you-not what other people say and to be happy with your birth experience regardless if it goes the way you intended or not. While a Cesarean was the last thing I wanted, the most important thing is having a healthy baby and to be okay with whatever your experience ends up being.
