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When did you realize you were really in labor?
At around 11 pm I went to the bathroom and noticed bloody show and a small amount of amniotic fluid. I didn't have a gush of fluid, as I did with my first delivery, but enough to know that labor was approaching. I had mild, irregular contractions for the next hour but by 2 am they were becoming regular and more intense.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The pain became intense quickly this time around. My contractions were very efficient and that meant I went from a pain level of 5 to 10 within an hour.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Embracing childbirth as a natural, beautiful event. I watched videos of natural births on YouTube and even binge watched Call the Midwife. I wanted a mindset of eager expectation, rather than fear. I was excited when I realized I was really in labor and that my body was going to do this amazing thing yet again.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How quickly my contractions became intense and how fast I progressed. I called my midwife at 7 am to let her know that my contractions were strong and five minutes apart. When I arrived at the birth center to my happy surprise she informed me I was already fully dilated and could begin pushing when I was ready.
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Surround yourself with positive and supportive influences. There can be naysayers or those who try to make you fearful. Seek out those who have gone down that road and are willing to encourage you.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Hydrotherapy is amazing. Going into the tub really helped with the pain. I wasn't able to have a water birth because my son's position made a different position more appropriate but the relief I received from being in the water gave me time to gather my strength.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Incredible. Being able to hug and kiss this little person I had been thinking and praying about for the better part of the year was just wonderful.
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What did you name your baby, and why?
We named him Jude. Our other son's name begins with the letter J and has a Biblical connection so we wanted to do the same for this child. Jude means praise and we absolutely give praise for his life.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Surround yourself with positive and supportive influences. There can be naysayers or those who try to make you fearful. Seek out those who have gone down that road and are willing to encourage you.
