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When did you realize you were really in labor?
The day before my due date I woke up with contractions, but throughout the day they slowed. I had my 40 week appointment that afternoon and lo-and-behold I was 4cm dilated. I knew I was really in labor when my contractions picked up after the sun went down that night. I called my birthing team around 1am.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Educating myself about birth and all of my options, and choosing to believe that God had made me fully capable of birthing my daughter. I had to consciously (and often) remind myself to not allow unfounded fear to rule my heart and mind.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
A lot of research so I could feel confident and finding a birth team (midwives and doula) I trusted!
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What surprised you about your birth?
Labor and delivery was harder than anything I imagined. Doulas ARE everything they're cracked up to be - with her help I was able to manage pain much better than I expected. I delivered my daughter on our bathroom floor after 28 hours of labor! I was amazed by what my body could do and I couldn't believe I didn't tear despite all 8lbs 13oz of her. :-)
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Trust your body and all that it's capable of! Surround yourself with people who believe in you and stick to your guns.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Relaxing into the pain and listening to every word my doula said, spending time in my shower and birthing tub, praying, and having my husband read out birth affirmations.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I delivered her head while I was on all fours and then my nurse quickly flipped me over on my back to deliver the rest of her.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
A flood of pure joy and relief!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Trust your body and all that it's capable of! Surround yourself with people who believe in you and stick to your guns.
