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When did you realize you were really in labor?
Throughout my whole pregnancy I didn't go to the hospital for false labor until I made it to 38 weeks then went in for massive contractions and was told i was in early labor. Contractions were then 2 minutes apart and strong but not making any changes to my cervix, which was 50% effaced and 1 cm dilated. We got sent home to be induced the following week at 39 weeks 0 days, scheduled due to me being high risk. My water was broken for me and after 3 pushes he was here.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Being high risk and not knowing what to expect. This was my second pregnancy and the first was not high risk. Dealing with the pains of delivery especially when told my cervix wasn't ready for me to push but I really wanted to.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Having a great support team with me throughout the whole experience! Without my support I probably would not have been as successful
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What surprised you about your birth?
It was very fast, 3 pushes and he was out! My oldest child was also in the room and cried once he saw his little brother get laid on my chest for skin to skin.
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Be patient, listen to your body and have a good support system in place. Remember to breathe even if it isn't steady, just breathe.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
The best thing for me was to keep moving, from walking the halls to pacing my room, even when they put me on bed rest to monitor my babies heart rate internally. I rocked, turned side to side, slide up and down in bed and continued to monitor my breathing with the help of my husband and mother coaching me.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I was on my back
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It was amazing! My older son cried and was so filled with enjoin which made me cry more and the look of relief on my husband's face calmed me more.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Be patient, listen to your body and have a good support system in place. Remember to breathe even if it isn't steady, just breathe.
