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When did you realize you were really in labor?
It actually took me about 90 minutes to realize I was actually in labor. I woke up to a strong contraction but then felt really sick and thought it might be cramps from breaking my gallbladder diet by eating a whole pizza with fresh jalapeños and extra cheese the night before.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging part about going natural for me was those last 20 minutes before pushing began. I knew from previous experience that when I got to the point where I felt like “I can’t do this anymore!”, then it was almost over. I held onto that thought.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Affirmations affirmations affirmations! I did a lot of physical work to prepare but mental preparation was the best way forward for me. While in labor, I repeated to myself over and over “I can do ANYTHING for 60-90 seconds.”
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What surprised you about your birth?
I was surprised by how angry I felt at the end! I have never had that emotion in my previous 3 deliveries so it took me by surprise. I actually felt guilt afterward which is absolutely ridiculous. There was so much going on with my body at that point that there was absolutely no reason to feel any shame, guilt, or regret for what happened when I was going through one of the most intense moments of my life.
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Focus on your mental health preparing for natural labor as much as your physical. I had a previous traumatic delivery and I don’t think I could have done another natural delivery had I not addressed the mental aspect of birth.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
As soon as my contractions started, I got into a warm bath. That was the best thing I could do! I was also diffusing clary sage essential oil which was both pain-relieving but also helped my contractions pick up in intensity.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Holding my son for the first time was pure joy. I have had 3 other children but never had the full awareness of what was going on with myself and my child in the moments immediately after delivery. I was so happy to find out he was a boy and shocked by how tiny he was, despite being 2 pounds heavier than my smallest baby.
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What did you name your baby, and why?
His name is Jaxon Rei. Jaxon because I love the nickname “Jax” and Rei because it means “king.” Our other son has the middle name LeRoy, which also means “the king” so they will always have that connection.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Focus on your mental health preparing for natural labor as much as your physical. I had a previous traumatic delivery and I don’t think I could have done another natural delivery had I not addressed the mental aspect of birth.
