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When did you realize you were really in labor?
Labor had started and stopped several times in the days before, my doula had even come over after a few hours of strong, regular contractions early that morning but they had petered out again. My midwife suggested trying some castor oil and within a few hours and after a nap, contractions started coming on strong again and increasing in intensity. I was hesitant to call my doula over again until I was sure it was real but once I got to the point of not talking during contractions anymore I called her. When he was born the cord was wrapped around his shoulder and waist and my midwife thought that may have been preventing labor from progressing before.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging thing was the mental and emotional drain of labor starting and stopping so many times. I felt the stress of needing to be ready at all times, rested at all times, wondering if I should be walking or doing other physical activities to get labor going, and probably most of all I felt like I had a lot of people putting their lives on hold every time contractions started. My first labor had been induced so I had not experienced this before.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
One of the most helpful things is that a dear friend of mine was able to be my doula. She was irreplaceable. Especially during transition while my husband was needing to help the midwife set things up, her constant encouragement and presence kept me focused and calm. The mental preparation of reading "Ina May's Guide to Natural Childbirth" and then re-reading it helped change my perspective on the pain of childbirth and helped me think of every contraction as my body just moving the baby down. Knowing that transition would likely bring on feelings of panic helped me know I was close to the end as I was starting to feel overwhelmed by the intensity and frequency of the contractions. I drank a lot of pregnancy tea and starting eating dates at 36 weeks and I think both of these things shortened my labor and pushing by a lot. It was about 6 hours of active labor and 5 minutes of pushing. I asked my husband and my friend to pray with me during several difficult parts of labor and that immediately took the anxiety away.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I have been on cloud 9 ever since the birth because it was such a wonderful experience! The relaxation of being at home, the comfort of an awesome birth team who made me feel so loved and cared for, the speed of the labor and delivery, and the much easier recovery has all been a huge blessing. The first two days after he was born I couldn't stop thinking about how happy I was with how everything went! I feel that God answered my prayers for a peaceful and joyful labor and delivery even though I hardly imagined that was actually possible. I had also never heard about falling asleep between contractions during transition and it still makes me laugh that that happened.
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It was so wonderful! Its amazing how the stress of the most intense physical feelings of your life melt away in an instant and you're sitting there holding a sweet little baby who instantly makes it all worthwhile!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Deep breathing and mental focus were the most important things for me. Sometimes the initial rush would make me start to panic but I would tell myself to relax my eyebrows, lips, and jaw and then try to relax my entire core as well instead of fighting the pain. As I relaxed much of the pain would subside and I could focus in on what my body was trying to do. Even remembering that after 30 seconds or so the worst part of the contraction would be over helped me mentally process what was happening.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I almost delivered on the toilet! The water was a bit too hot in the tub still so they were trying to cool it down. Then the urges to push started coming and we made our way to the pool. I got in and leaned against the edge of the pool on my knees. I think his head came out on the first push and then his body was out on the next contraction.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It was so wonderful! Its amazing how the stress of the most intense physical feelings of your life melt away in an instant and you're sitting there holding a sweet little baby who instantly makes it all worthwhile!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Get a doula! Her wisdom and encouragement will get you through anything and also help your husband feel more comfortable with how to best help you. Mentally prepare yourself for labor and train your mind to think positively of the pain instead of just dreading it. Understand the stages of labor and take comfort in knowing the worst parts are so close to the best parts. Take time to prepare good snacks and electrolyte drinks so that you have everything you need and are ready to go. Also make sure they're easy for your husband to find. Try to find ways to reduce any outside stresses that may come up while you're in labor and a little out of your mind.
