-
When did you realize you were really in labor?
With all 4 of my previous pregnancies being induced, 3 of which were for medical purposes, I was terrified of having this baby in the car. So at almost 41 weeks, my Dr sent me to the birthing center to break my waters.
-
What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
This was my second time not getting an epidural. The first time everything went great! This time I labored for 10 hours and the worst part was that it was throughout the night. My son was born at 6:19 in the morning and I was exhausted!! (Because childbirth itself isn't tiring enough ?)
-
IMG_0389
-
What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Physically, I spent a lot of time doing excercises to strengthen my pelvis and bouncing on my ball. Mentally, I made my own birth affirmations on notecards and colored them with warm colors. The really long bible versus were the most helpful.
-
What surprised you about your birth?
When my Dr told me to stop pushing because my cervix was covering his head and she had to move it.
-
Have a good support team. Make out birth affirmations for you. And remember you CAN do this. Your body was made for this and in the end, your child is SO worth it. I have had 3 births with an epidural and 2 without. The 2 without, healed me faster and the bonding was SO much stronger.
-
What pain relief strategies worked best?
Switching positions. And LONG birth affirmations/bible versus. Reading them so they last through an entire contraction was great and moving into different positions to help relieve pressure.
-
What position did you end up delivering in?
On my back since the last position I was in was laying down next to my husband.
-
How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Amazing. He came directly to me and made all the pain worth it. He immediately latched on and I was just so excited for him to be here.
-
What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Have a good support team. Make out birth affirmations for you. And remember you CAN do this. Your body was made for this and in the end, your child is SO worth it. I have had 3 births with an epidural and 2 without. The 2 without, healed me faster and the bonding was SO much stronger.
