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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I began having contractions at about eight in the morning, but I was hesitant to believe it was the real thing because I had been having braxton hicks regularly for months. These felt a little different, though, so I kept track. While they were irregular, they were becoming more frequent. At 5:00pm, we decided to call the midwife and head to my mom's house which was closer to the hospital to wait things out. Before even making it to her house, the contractions were three to five minutes apart, so we picked up my mom and headed for the hospital.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I was really looking forward to a natural birth and didn't find it painful or challenging until the very end. Crowning was extremely painful but I knew it was temporary. Epidural was not an option for me, though. I had received an epidural during my first labor that caused me to lose all control of my left side and left me with painful spasms for months. I knew whatever pain I experienced in labor would be better than what I had gone through before.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
The most helpful aspect of my birth was Lacy, my amazing midwife. We had a great relationship and I knew 100% that she supported my birth plan and my wishes. If I had to fear that the hospital would try to fight me while in labor, I would have been going into the process with much more anxiety. Her strength and calmness was a great match for me and what I wanted from my birth. I also read a hypnobirthing book which helped me understand that fear would only fight against my body's natural instincts.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I was expecting it to last longer and be more painful. I really expected contractions to be worse than they were. For me, contractions were more of a tightness and pressure, not painful. Perhaps that is why it took me so long to acknowledge that I was actually in labor. My son was born just 2.5 hours after arriving at the hospital.
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The best advice I can give is to find a birth professional who is your advocate and even your friend. Of course, all moms should trust their bodies and be fearless when it comes to birth.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
My midwife had established a natural birthing room with a full sized tub. I labored in the tub until I felt the need to push. It was so relaxing, i nearly fell asleep.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I did most of the pushing on hands and knees, but ended up feeling shaky. I birthed my son side laying with my midwife supporting my leg.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It was amazing to be able to hold my son and nurse him immediately.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
The best advice I can give is to find a birth professional who is your advocate and even your friend. Of course, all moms should trust their bodies and be fearless when it comes to birth.
