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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I lost a bit of mucus plug in the early AM. I had my first contraction when my husband walked in the door after work at 2:30pm. They weren't very consistent or strong until about 6pm. The midwife came over at that time, but I wasn't convinced that the baby would be here anytime soon. My first pregnancy, labor lasted 22 hours so that was my only past experience. By 7pm, I knew things were progressing when I really needed to focus on my contractions and they were uncomfortable.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Honestly, nothing. My first pregnancy was natural in a hospital and I was disappointed I wasn't able to do a home birth. This time around, I was very excited to be at home and since I had already delivered babies (twins), I knew what to expect.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Since I delivered at home, the most helpful thing for me was to have my house clean! I didn't do any childbirth classes, just reviewed the packet I had gotten from my first pregnancy when I did do a class. I also would remind myself that I am capable of delivering my baby. During labor, I just focused on the outcome, knowing I would have my beautiful baby at the end.
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What surprised you about your birth?
What surprised me most was how short my labor was. I knew labor was really progressing at 7pm and by 8:11pm, the baby was born. I looked at the clock and was shocked! It happened so fast and it was wonderful to be at home and just go to bed after all that. It also surprised me that I didn't need my husband's help. My first pregnancy, he would push on my lower back every contraction and he did that for hours. This time, he would touch me and I didn't want it. He just stood by me feeling kind of helpless, but I just focused myself inward and didn't want any touch.
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The mindset is really important, knowing that you are capable of delivering a baby naturally. The body knows what to do, you just have to trust it. I think it's also important to know that interventions may be necessary and know that if they are, you did not fail. No matter how a baby is delivered, at the end of it all, you have a newborn and that is the ultimate gift.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
I found it fascinating to put my hand on my belly during contractions or while pushing. Feeling the baby moved was a sort of distraction. I also did a lot of groaning and grunting. Afterwards, I took Arnica tablets.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I labored on the toilet in my bathroom and pushed while sitting there. Before baby girl came out, I stood up while holding onto the birth assistant and my husband and delivered in a supported squat position. Baby was born sunny-side up!
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
We didn't find out the sex until the birth so after baby came out I asked if boy or girl. The midwife handed me the baby and I was able to look and announce that we had a little girl. She got wrapped up in a towel and I was so relieved that labor was over and my baby was finally here. I was overjoyed.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
The mindset is really important, knowing that you are capable of delivering a baby naturally. The body knows what to do, you just have to trust it. I think it's also important to know that interventions may be necessary and know that if they are, you did not fail. No matter how a baby is delivered, at the end of it all, you have a newborn and that is the ultimate gift.
