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When did you realize you were really in labor?
The morning I had him was the time I realized I was in labor. It was Easter weekend and I had been feeling slight contractions all day Sunday. I thought they were Braxton Hicks so I didn't pay too close attention. Sunday evening, I was sitting with my family and my contractions started coming every 6-7 minutes within half hour. At this point, I started monitoring them. They eventually calmed down so we went home and that was it. That evening and all through the night, I started having slight contractions again but only this time, they progressively got stronger but were inconsistent: 10, 7, 15, 4, 5. I recorded every contraction throughout the whole night at every hour! At 6:30, my husband woke up to get ready for work and I was getting ready for work as well. As I was walking, they were increasing in pain and coming 3-4 minutes apart. I was going to go into work because they didn't happen when I was sitting down so I thought, "this isn't it, they're not happening enough". Well my husband put a stop to me going into work because he knew I might be in labor. So I called my boss and told her I think I'm in labor and I would update her. My husband kyle took the day off work as well to be with me just in case. We took a walk around the block and I was still having contractions. When we arrived back at the house, I called my doctor and told him what was going on. He advised me to come down to Miami Valley South so he could check me. He was the on call doctor there so that worked out perfect for me since he was my obgyn. Kyle and I packed all of our bags and headed to the hospital. I didn't think they would keep me but we packed our bags just in case. When we arrived at the hospital, I took a urine sample just like always, and I awaited for my doctor. Once he arrived and checked me, he said, "Today's the day! You are dilated to a 3 and 100% effaced!" My heart at this point started racing with excitement and slightly nervousness, knowing I would be enduring a lot of pain, at the same time, knowing our lives were about to change forever!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging part of going natural was just getting through the contractions. I had the most supportive people in my delivery room! My husband kyle, mother, sister, and mother in law! Anytime I had a contraction, I stared at kyle throughout the whole thing until it passed. Making a main focal point at him helped tremendously! My nurse gAve me Nubane, which is just a pain killer that took the edge off enough so I could rest for a short time. She said it wouldn't last the whole time but I didn't want it to. Towards the end, when they were the most intense, my sister, mother and mother in law were right in front of me helping me breathe. My nurse, who knew I wanted to have a natural labor, was so helpful and so positive throughout the whole process. She explained to me how a peanut ball would help open my pelvic area so he could come out quicker. The pain is something I will never forget and was the worst pain I've ever been in, but I'm glad I went natural and experienced our son come into this world in such a beautiful way! Couldn't have asked for a more perfect delivery support group!
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Nothing. I didn't take any birthing classes. I had the mindset to get myself through the pain and how my body could get through it. Yes, the pain was difficult, but it didn't last long when the contractions came. I just had to breathe deep and strong and that got me through it!
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What surprised you about your birth?
My biggest surprise about birth was his weight! I expected for him to be around 7 lbs. He ended up coming out at 8lbs 10.5 oz at 21 in long! The whole delivery room and myself were so shocked! No mother who had been through child birth could've explained to me how the pain felt, for it was like no other feeling to compare it to! I wouldn't change anything about the birth!
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If you can stay mind strong, you can get through it!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Staring at my husband, giving me a focal point, took my focus off the pain of the contractions. Also, I had a bit of nubane so that took the edge off for about an hour., just enough time for me to catch my breath.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
To push him out, I was on my back with both my legs lifted. My sister was holding one and my mom was holding the other. My mother in law and husband were holding my back up for me to push.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Holding our son for the first time was so surreal. Knowing we created such a beautiful human being! Being pregnant, I knew I was going to be a mother but it didn't actually set in until I held him! Never had so much love for someone!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
My best advice that I can give is you can do it! If you can stay mind strong, you can get through it! Every momma had their birth story. Experiencing the full birthing process is the best decision I've ever made! Have a great support team by your side and you can do it!
