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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I was two days shy of 39 weeks, and had been feeling like I had the flu all day. My husband and I saw our midwife at 4:00 that afternoon and she predicted we'd have a baby within 24 hours. By 10:00 that night my contractions were 3 minuets apart for over one hour. I called her to check in and she confirmed my labor!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
It was not knowing how long labor would last! Especially for first time Mamas you hear stories of 20+ hour labors. The uncertainty was the hardest part.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I read as many empowering birth stories as I could get my hands on. I wanted to change my feelings of childbirth from scared and apprehensive to self confident and reassured. I women who had the same kind of birth experience I wanted, and listened to their stories!
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What surprised you about your birth?
I was shocked at how fast it was and that he arrived 8 days early! I was in labor for 6 hours and pushed only 5 times before my little bear made his way into this world. For a first time Mom that's almost unheard of.
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Find support in other women who have had the kind of birth experience you desire. Not everyone has a negative birth story, and you don't have to either!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Having complete control of my environment was key. Because I delivered in my own home I wasn't apprehensive about doing whatever felt right at that moment. I was able to adjust lighting, tempature, sounds as I felt the need. I was in and out of my bath tub as much as I wanted and felt no hesitance to walk around with as little or as much clothing as I needed.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On my back, in our bed!
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Surreal, I didn't expect to have him so quickly so after my midwife put him on my stomach she had to remind me there was a baby! After a moment reality kicked back in and I was flooded with joy and relief.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Find support in other women who have had the kind of birth experience you desire. Not everyone has a negative birth story, and you don't have to either!
