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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I had been at a 4 for a couple weeks, so technically I guess I was in labor. Being my 4th pregnancy, I experienced Braxton Hicks constantly throughout the pregnancy. Therefore, being "in labor" was dissimilar to being "in labor", and I really didn't feel like I was in labor.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I went natural my previous 3 pregnancies, so it wasn't difficult to plan for a natural birth again. However, having twins offered an entirely new mindset since and often there are complications and higher risks. We had done home births for our first 3 pregnancies and this was our first hospital birth. We were fortunate, our twins stayed put until 38 plus weeks but it was certainly a challenge having a "natural birth" with twins. Especially since our first baby presented "sunnyside up" and our second baby presented "transverse". We had an amazing doctor who was skilled in various births, including twins. He did a breech extraction and our babies were born!
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Hmmmm. Rest. Definitely rest. Having twins, this pregnancy was exhausting. I genuinely needed to rest more than any other pregnancy.
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What surprised you about your birth?
That we were able to have a vaginal delivery. Having twins, I fully expected a cesarean delivery and difficult recovery. We were able to have a natural delivery at 38 plus weeks. Our delivery was very different, however, as "baby A" was sunny side up and "baby B" was delivered through a breech extraction. Our doctor was amazing!
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You can do it! Labor contractions build on each other, and contractions are really more of an "obtuse" pain than an "acute pain". The pain is not sharp, but duller and extremely bearable.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
I learned through my first delivery that eventually a contraction would end. There was a gradual incline to the discomfort/pain, and a gradual decline but eventually it would end. And contractions were tolerable. Uncomfortable but tolerable. Once you've done it once it's not hard to do it again!
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I delivered the twins on my back in an OR.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
I was exhausted to say the least, I really can't remember what it felt like. In fact I think I had the post labor shakes pretty bad and declined holding the babies for very long. I just knew I wasn't able to hold them. I felt grateful mostly, that the labor went so smoothly and didn't end with a cesarean!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
You can do it! Labor contractions build on each other, and contractions are really more of an "obtuse" pain than an "acute pain". The pain is not sharp, but duller and extremely bearable. Like having terrible cramps. It helps that your body produces oxytocin, which is the same hormone released during an orgasm. By the end of most labors, you are feeling pretty good from the oxytocin "high". Having a natural birth is a difficult choice to make, but worth it. You end the race (delivery) with a natural birth and a baby untouched by modern day medicine. A healthy, sweet little baby!