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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I had a bit of a bloody show the night before. I called a dear friend/doula for advice on the best thing for me to do. She recommended sleep and hydration. I call my mother-in-law to come stay the night. Should things move quickly we needed her to watch our son. I was able to get a decent amount of sleep until about 5 am. At that point I needed to walk around during my contractions.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Not so much the pain, but not knowing how long I was going to have to endure the pain. I feared I would be too tired to push.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I held onto so much trauma after my first birth didn't go as planned. I had to consciously let go of my "plan" and my expectations this go round. I did my best to prepare my body and make space for her with exercises, body balancing and body work. But, it was just as important to make space emotionally. I took long walks in the woods and talked to my daughter. I told her I trusted her. That it was safe for her here on the other side. We were ready to receive her no matter how she decided to arrive.
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What surprised you about your birth?
Having had two very different experiences with my son and my daughter, I was most surprised by how much energy I had immediately after she was born. The lightness and awareness I felt vs. pain, fatigue and fog after an emergency c-section.
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As a mother of two children with two very different births, it's my opinion that natural is worth it in the end. For me, the ease of the recovery was surprising. As long as you are mentally and emotionally prepared there is nothing to be afraid of, but you do need tools.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Counting in my head during contractions. Counter pressure from my husband. Vocalizations like "Om"
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What position did you end up delivering in?
A squat with the support of my husband behind me.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Overwhelming. This little person I'm finally meeting has given me such a gift simply by showing up. This little love looked me in the eyes and instantly made all the pregnancy aches and pains, sleepless nights, and intensity of labor fade away. She is magical and powerful beyond measure and maybe, just maybe, by association so am I.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
As a mother of two children with two very different births, it's my opinion that natural is worth it in the end. For me, the ease of the recovery was surprising. As long as you are mentally and emotionally prepared there is nothing to be afraid of, but you do need tools. Whatever speaks to you: Lamaze, Bradley, Hypnos birthing, etc. I relied on my knowledge of my body, pranayama, and essential oils. When the work gets intense you need something to keep you grounded and focused. And for all my fellow mama's considering a VBAC: its possible and your body is more than capable.
