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When did you realize you were really in labor?
Just before midnight as I was getting ready for bed and a real contraction (definitely not a Braxton Hicks!) hit. 5 minutes later another one and they kept going. I got up, did some dishes and walked around as they kept coming. I texted my midwife and she said she was on her way. As soon as she arrived and examined me I was pleased to find out I was 6 cm dilated!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Not knowing how intense the pain would get or how long the labor would last.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Walking, kegels and squats. But mainly having a positive attitude about it and having faith in the process and that my body is capable. And to remember that birth is normal.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How fast it went the 2nd time (7.5 hours including 30 minutes of pushing) compared to the 1st time (19 hours including 2 hours of pushing).
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Surround yourself with supportive people, have a positive attitude and remember that birth is normal.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Squatting, getting on all fours, sitting on my exercise ball, back massages and counter-pressure from my husband, deep breathing and distraction. My husband, midwife and her assistant would be in the deepest and most random conversations during my labor which really helped take my mind off of the pain.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Squatting with my husband supporting me up.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Finally! After 41.5 weeks of being pregnant I was so ready to meet our girl face-to-face.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Believe you can and that you're body is capable of this normal and wonderful process. Make a plan but prepare for things to come up and that no matter what the outcome every birth has its beauty. Surround yourself with supportive people, have a positive attitude and remember that birth is normal.
