-
When did you realize you were really in labor?
I woke up having mild, irregular contractions early Friday morning. They weren't painful but definitely more noticeable than the Braxton Hicks contractions I had the whole month before. I worked all day and they never got any more regular or stronger. I felt like I needed a good meal so we went out to eat. Around 11:30 I decided I should get some sleep because it was happening soon. I woke up an hour later with painful (can't sleep through them) contractions. I times them for about an hour. They were 3.4 to 4 minutes apart and lasted 1 minute. I knew this was true labor.
-
What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The scariest part for me was how quickly everything happened. My first labor was 48+ hours. My second was 4 hours. I started feeling the urge to push and I was still at home with my husband and 2 year old. The hardest part was stopping myself from pushing while we waited in my in-laws to arrive to watch my son. We love about 15 minutes from the hospital and I couldn't push on the drive. Then I get to the hospital and I have to wait another 20 minutes for the doctor.
-
What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I hired a doula at about 20 weeks. She was so helpful. I also read a few books and took a prenatal yoga class. At 36 weeks, I started drinking 3 cups of red raspberry leaf tea every day.
-
What surprised you about your birth?
How fast it happened. 4 hours from the time of my first serious contraction to delivery. Crazy fast!
-
You can do it. I promise. The first part is the worst. The pushing stage is the easiest. It was a relief to push and felt amazing.
-
What pain relief strategies worked best?
Breathing and making sounds. With each stage, I noticed my breathing changed and the moans, groans and grunts changed. My husband said I was roaring at one point.
-
What position did you end up delivering in?
Typical hospital position. Honestly, I wouldn't have cared what position I was in as long as they let me push.
-
How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Amazing. We said skin to skin for an hour and immediately nurses.
-
What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
You can do it. I promise. The first part is the worst. The pushing stage is the easiest. It was a relief to push and felt amazing.