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When did you realize you were really in labor?
It was the day of my baby shower! I was 38 weeks pregnant and had been having contractions all day long, but I just wasn't sure if this was it. Sure enough, it was! After deciding to try and go to sleep, convinced I wasn't really in labor, I got up as soon as I laid down and said "Okay, I think we need to go in." I just had a feeling that if I didn't go in, I would wake up to a baby in my bed. We made it to the hospital at around 2 in the morning and my son was born at 5:13 am.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging thing about going natural was that I birthed in a hospital and the OB on call was less than supportive of my decision to labor and birth naturally. I did it though! 100% natural! My first birth was not what I wanted to be at all and I was determined this birth would be different. I stood my ground and had the best experience laboring naturally on my own with only my husband and 15 month old son with me. It was an enlightening experience that I am so grateful for.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I read a TON! I read so many inspiring birth stories from women all over the world and throughout different times. That is what stuck with me the most throughout my labor. When everything else I prepared seemed to go out the window with each contraction, those amazing birth stories played over in my head and kept me going. I didn't have to wonder if I could do it. I knew I could, and would, and did!
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What surprised you about your birth?
I was surprised that I didn't tear at all during my birth! I had a tear that required stitches after having my first and I feel it had to do with the fact that I had an epidural and couldn't feel what I was doing during the pushing stage. I was wholly present for my natural birth and it was amazing!
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Know that you can do it! You are not alone in your laboring and birthing experience. Many women have done it before you and are doing it alongside you in that moment.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Counter pressure and the use of essential oils helped me stay focused through the pain, stay relaxed, and seemed to help actually lessen the severity of the pain of each contraction.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I actually delivered laying down in the traditional forceps position because I was so tired and that was most comfortable for me.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Amazing! I was definitely on a natural bury high and just soaked in that first moment. I kept saying "I did it! We did it." It was the most magical and supernatural experience of my life the moment I first held him. I didn't love him any more or less than my first son, but that was the moment I realized I really did have more love in my heart for a second child. I couldn't comprehend that before, but in that moment it all made sense.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Know that you can do it! You are not alone in your laboring and birthing experience. Many women have done it before you and are doing it alongside you in that moment. Feel that unity with other mothers and lean on all those birthing stories during the moments you feel weak. Know you are strong and your body knows what it is doing!
