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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I had been losing my mucus plug for weeks and walking around at 4cm, then 6cm and at my last appointment 7cm (!!!) while not actually being in labor. Naturally, I was worried we wouldn't make it to the hospital. (I had a pretty fast 3 hour labor with my 2nd child which was an hbac so I didn't have to worry about that before.) I woke up that night feeling a little nauseous and shakey. I thought, "hmm...transition?". After having a tiny bit of spotting I decided that combination could mean labor so we headed to the hospital at 3am in the cold rain. I had very mild and sporadic contractions on the way and we even made a pit stop on the 20 min drive to the hospital. When I checked in at the hospital, I was 8cm. My baby boy was born less than an hour after arriving at the hospital.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I had done this once before and found it pretty painful even though I was relaxed, supported, in water, etc. For me, knowing this time the pain that was to come, was challenging.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I think eating dates, re-reading all the usual natural childbirth books and sites, praying and reminding myself I did it before, talking to friends, choosing the most supportive providers in my area.
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What surprised you about your birth?
The "easy", basically non-existent labor that led up to the actual birth. The fact that the ring of fire was so much worse this time AND that I tore (1st degree, no sutures needed) even though I was in water again and hadn't torn last time. That I didn't go to labor la-la-land. I felt very present and clear headed so I was able to appreciate and connect with the birth/baby immediately. That this baby was a whole pound heavier than my previous kids at birth. That everyone made it there in time. So many things were just perfect.
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Research like crazy, choose supportive providers for the birth you want and do not hesitate to change providers if something changes about that support, and then when you get to the birth, turn off your brain and be more primal/instinctive.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Rolling on the ball, being in water.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Kneeling, leaning forward
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Incredible.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Research like crazy, choose supportive providers for the birth you want and do not hesitate to change providers if something changes about that support, and then when you get to the birth, turn off your brain and be more primal/instinctive.
