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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I thought I was in labor Thursday March 2, 2017 but it turned out it was only pre labor. After almost 24hrs the midwife confirmed I was only 1cm dilated and it wasn't tea labor. When I finally realized I was in real labor it was after 6am the day she was born March 3 (1.5hr before she was born).
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The intense pain and contractions towards the end- during transition. I had some contractions before that weren't that bad but I wasn't in real labor. Once I finally was in real labor I was tired and wanted to be done.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Found a great midwife and rented a birth pool. I had lots of people praying for us as well. I posted scripture and scripture based birth affirmations posted for me to look at and meditate on during labor.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How long I was in pre labor and hadn't dilated. Apparently between 3a-7:29 I went from 1cm dilated to giving birth. I was also surprised just how much better it was delivering in the water. A lot less pain, ring of fire, and she came out quick and easy in the water.
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Have a plan to help you manage the hard parts of labor, get supportive people around you and have someone you trust like a great midwife to help you deliver. Also I highly recommend water birth!! It was so much better than my previous natural deliveries.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Different positions, moving around and trying to stay busy during early labor. Breathing through the pain, holding my husbands hand, praying and meditating on scripture.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Draped over the side of the birthing pool on my chest.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
A little crazy because I didn't realize it was going to happen that fast at the end. It was also so wonderful because she came out healthy, calm and Ashe was so beautiful.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Have a plan to help you manage the hard parts of labor, get supportive people around you and have someone you trust like a great midwife to help you deliver. Also I highly recommend water birth!! It was so much better than my previous natural deliveries.
