-
When did you realize you were really in labor?
I went in at 41 weeks and 3 days and I was 3 cm dilated and 70% effaced. My midwife suggested we do a nonstress test and contractions were 5 minutes apart for 20 minutes and baby was healthy. I went home and took a bath and wanted to fall asleep but couldn't stay asleep because I would keep getting woken by my contractions.
-
What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I had my appointment at 5pm and gave birth at 9:25pm the next day. The pushing stage was the hardest. I was on my back because I had been standing a lot but got too tired to stand.
-
20160923_110730
-
What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I drank red raspberry leaf tea, rode a stationary bike at the beginning of pregnancy, walked at least 2 miles Monday through Friday for the 2 months of pregnancy, ate fewer junk foods, did kegels, taking naps, and not allowing others' experiences shape my expectations of childbirth.
-
What surprised you about your birth?
It was nice to have breaks between each contraction and the pain for the most part was not worse than my menstrual cramps. I labored at home until 11am and was 7cm dilated when we got to the hospital. My contractions lessened in intensity for about 3 hours at the hospital compared to when laboring at home. Transition took a long time. I didn't want my water broken because I didn't want stronger contractions, but I was 9 cm dilated so I did have it broken. I was quiet for most of the contractions and did not grunt or yell during pushing like a woman in the other room. Smell, touches, and light were heightened. I wore sunglasses as I pushed. I
-
He was so warm and I felt so empowered as I did it all on my own with my birth plan without any pain medication or epidural. It was just the way I wanted. It was so satisfying to see him and I couldn't wait to find out what he'll grow up to be like.
-
What pain relief strategies worked best?
Cleansing breaths, double hip squeeze, massage and a bath.
-
What position did you end up delivering in?
On my back since I was too tired to stand.
-
How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
He was so warm and I felt so empowered as I did it all on my own with my birth plan without any pain medication or epidural. It was just the way I wanted. It was so satisfying to see him and I couldn't wait to find out what he'll grow up to be like.
-
What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Exercise, eat healthy, and don't let others doubts and experience frame your vision of child birth.
