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When did you realize you were really in labor?
My contractions started at around 2 am. After about an hour or two I realized they were increasing in intensity and definitely weren't going away. That's when I woke my fiancé and contacted my midwives.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Honestly, the reaction I got from many people. People would tell me, "why wouldn't you use drugs?" Or "you're not going to the hospital? What if something goes wrong? You know I had a complicated birth..." it's really too bad that we live in such an uneducated society when it comes to birth!
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Educating myself and mentally preparing for the pain. I read Active Birth-The New Approach to Giving Birth Naturally, and Ina May's Guide to Childbirth. Both highly recommend! Also took a natural childbirth class which my fiancé also enjoyed! There's nothing that would have better prepared me than educating myself on the process as much as possible.
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What surprised you about your birth?
The intense pressure of active labor. I knew to expect this but could not have truly imagined it until I experienced it! Also my ability to breath through my contractions. I proved to be a lot stronger than I thought! And of course the amazing moment my baby girl was born. Truly amazing.
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Don't doubt yourself. You can do this! Educate yourself! The more prepared you are the less anxious you will be. And most importantly find a good midwife or doula. They will be your saving grace.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Keeping a loose jaw/open mouth during contractions and breathing through them. I also had classical music playing throughout my entire 16 hours of labor which really soothed me.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On all fours. So much more comfortable than if I would have been on my back!
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Nothing can truly describe that moment. Such an amazing experience for both my fiancé and I.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Don't doubt yourself. You can do this! Educate yourself! The more prepared you are the less anxious you will be. And most importantly find a good midwife or doula. They will be your saving grace.
