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When did you realize you were really in labor?
Labor started for me around 4am, and at that time it was just cramping lasting about 30 seconds every ten minutes or so. I was 38 weeks along so I wasn't convinced it was real labor until the cramps turned into much more intense contractions at around 10am. By noon my husband, doula and I were very sure it was real labor. I labored at home for a few more hours until around 4pm before we went to the hospital.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I think the most challenging part was heading into the transition phase of labor and not knowing how much longer it would take before being able to finally push. There were a couple of times during transition when I was about 8.5 centimeters dilated when I wasn't sure how much more of the exhausting pain I could take. However my doula and husband gave me many encouraging words and prayed over me. That helped significantly and gave me the strength to keep going.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I think the most helpful things I did were to do my exercises (moving a lot and getting baby in a good position), reading Ina May's Guide to Childbirth, and a lot of specific prayer about how I hoped the birth would go. Those things helped significantly to help prepare my mind and body for the big day. Also having the goal in mind all along that I wanted to have a natural childbirth helped me because it gave me something to strive for and focus on when labor got really hard.
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What surprised you about your birth?
It surprised me, just like my first birth, how smooth everything went. It was hard and very painful at times, but the whole experience was so amazing in that I got to feel how much my body was made to give birth and things just happened almost effortlessly. When I was pushing, I could literally feel my body take over and guide my baby boy out of me, and that was pretty incredible to feel. Medicated births don't really allow mothers to experience that, and I feel so blessed that God gave me the strength to go through something so intimate and powerful. I'll never forget.
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You were made for this! Don't let the culture tell you that you're not strong enough to do it
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Breathing techniques helped me so much. Deep breaths, exhaling slowly and moaning in a low register helped me greatly. Also mentally picturing each contraction opening up the path for the baby, all the while knowing that the pain isn't harming your body but it's constructive and doing something very good. Not tensing up but staying as relaxed as possible.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Reclined about 45 degrees with legs bent toward my chest.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Euphoric. That skin to skin after he was finally born was the most amazing feeling. I was filled with relief, endorphins, exhaustion and complete joy when I held him and kissed his face for the first time.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
You were made for this! Don't let the culture tell you that you're not strong enough to do it. So many people shove the "oh, you'll be begging for the epidural by the time you get to the hospital" idea into women's heads that they go into labor assuming they won't be able to do it without pain management, but the truth is you are far more equipped and capable than you think you are. If going natural is your goal, then stick to it and trust your body because you'll never feel more proud of yourself if you just keep going till you hold that precious baby. Also, find others to be with you during labor who believe in you and who can encourage you through every moment. Don't try to do it alone. It may be one of the hardest things you've ever done but it's all so worth it!
