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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I realized I was really in labor about a half an hour after my water broke. At first, I thought I had peed the bed but the fluid kept coming and it definitely wasn't urine. As a first time mom, I kept expecting things to progress so much slower but after my water broke contractions started within a half an hour. There was really no question that labor had begun!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging thing about going natural for me was fear of the unknown. Logically, I knew that I wouldn't die from the pain of labor. The birth center I chose had great classes explaining what would happen during labor but when I started thinking about it in terms of it being MY body, it was enough to bring me to tears more than a few times.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
The most helpful thing for me was finding like-minded people with experience. This came with the birth center I chose. It was wonderful to hear that I wasn't crazy for wanting a natural birth and that there are benefits beyond what I already knew about.
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What surprised you about your birth?
What surprised me about my birth was my body's reaction to touch during contractions. When my husband would do anything except hold my hand while I squeezed his, the pain was made worse. I usually love when my husband touches me! We quickly realized this and he would only rub my back, stroke my face, etc. In between contractions.
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Having a natural birth is one of the hardest things I have ever done in in my life but it is also one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever been through. It is entirely possible and totally worth it.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
I felt the most relief while in the tub and ended up giving birth there.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I delivered while slightly reclined in the birthing tub.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
There was so much relief and excitement! We did not find out the gender during pregnancy and waited a little while after the birth to check (she was covered in a blanket). It was fun drawing out the surprise.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Having a natural birth is one of the hardest things I have ever done in in my life but it is also one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever been through. It is entirely possible and totally worth it.
