-
When did you realize you were really in labor?
I realized I was really in labor when my contractions were making it hard for me to be comfortable in any position, I started to break a sweat, and felt like I could pass out. That ended up being about an hour before my daughter was born!
-
What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Although I always liked the idea of it, I had not planned on going natural. This was my third child and the other two I had been induced at the hospital with, water had to be manually broken, and I had epidurals. This was so different, but I didn't have much choice in the matter! Managing the pain before my water broke was most challenging. Not to mention, we ended up having a home birth because it all happened so fast and I gave my birth on my kitchen floor.
-
birth
-
What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I can't say that I was prepared well for this birth. The most helpful thing ended up being having clean towels with me to lay on!
-
What surprised you about your birth?
Having an unplanned home birth surprised me! I had been having contractions on and off throughout afternoon, but nothing out of the ordinary or regular. Between 4:30 and 5:00 I started to have a couple stronger ones, but still didn't think too much of it. By 5:15 I decided we better get someone to come get my two girls so we could head to the hospital. My mother-in-law soon arrived and I was trying to get girls settled to go with her, but she finally told us to just go and as I was about to get in the van at 5:54 my water broke and 10 minutes later my daughter arrived! I was on my kitchen floor with about 8 EMS people, my husband, and mother-in-law all present. I was surprised at how quick it went and that I did so well without an epidural or anything.
-
What pain relief strategies worked best?
Breathing quick, short breaths helped the best.
-
What position did you end up delivering in?
Propped up on my back.
-
How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It was all very surreal at the time, I was just thankful that everything went smoothly since there weren't any doctors present and we were at home.
-
What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
My first two were done in controlled hospital setting with epidural and both were an all day long process. I didn't plan to go natural with my third either but am glad that it happened that way and I had the chance to experience a natural, drug-free birth. While I am not sure I would have made it that way if it were a drawn out labor, being that it was so quick it wasn't nearly as bad as I ever imagined it to be. My advice is not to underestimate your strength and do what you are most comfortable with!
-
How did the Mama Natural Birth Class help you in your childbirth?
Do not to underestimate your strength and do what you are most comfortable with!
