Elizabeth's Cesarean Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

My water broke at 1 AM on Saturday morning, and contractions started within 10 minutes.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

The start of a new contraction and the fear that came with it, and the peak of each contraction when doubts crept into my head as I wondered if I could survive this. I labored for three days naturally, and at one point my contractions actually subsided which was a whole other world of fear. All of these were huge challenges.

What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?

My mantra was " Made for this." As I dragon breathed these words out during the hardest parts of my labor It kept me confident in myself, and my body, and it connected me to all other women who have, are, and will go through the rollercoaster of childbirth.

What surprised you about your birth?

I planned for a natural water birth. But my labor lasted three days and had to end in an epidural and c-section because my body grew too tired and stopped doing what it needed to do. Despite my mantra, I realized I was in fact not simply made for this part of it all, and that was very very hard to accept in those moments.

Let natural be your first choice, but be willing to accept any detours. You will be so proud of yourself no matter what happens.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

Warm water was amazing. I kneeled in a warm bath and my partner and midwives poured the water on my back as I labored.

I loved holding on to the arm rest of my couch as I squatted wayyy down and swayed my body back and forth.

Getting down on all fours, sticking my butt into the air and rocking from left to right.

Bending over at a 90 degree angle and making figure 8'something with my hips.

Slow dancing with my partner.

Allowing myself to accept my fears and then let them wash over me, as I remembered I was in good, loving hands, and my baby would be here soon.

Radically Accepting that this birth and my body had their own agenda, but this did not redefine me as a woman or mother.

Dragon breathing! Pushing all of my breath out during contraction peaks until my voice shook with determination. I felt powerful!

What position did you end up delivering in?

C-section.

How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?

Unreal. I was completely uncomfortable. I had to be flat on my back and my left eye was closing from the epidural. I was so parched my lips were White, I was unable to swallow, and shaking from trepidation. The room was freezing cold. I had IV's in my right hand. I heard his cry but couldn't hold him right away, but when they finally brought him to me for skin to skin his big eyes were wide open and he stopped crying and we stared at each other. He knew my voice when I called him 'Little' in the same tone I had all through-out the pregnancy. He was perfect. I didn't cry like I thought I would, but all of my discomfort faded into the background for those few peaceful moments of meeting him face to face for the very first time. It was nothing like I had anticipated, and it was completely my own.

What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?

Do it. Even though I ended in a c-section, I got to labor for 64 hours naturally and I will forever where a badge of honor on my heart for that. I feel closer to my body than I ever have, and my recovery has been hard but beautiful. I feel so strong and powerful from my experience and wouldn't change it for the world. Let natural be your first choice, but be willing to accept any detours. You will be so proud of yourself no matter what happens.