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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I woke up in the middle of the night to my water breaking, so I knew it was the real deal. Contractions started about 10 minutes later. I felt great so I let my husband rest up while I showered, made tea and called my parents. I made sure I got some rest and something to eat before we headed to the hospital.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
So much time in pain! I labor very slowly and the contractions really start to wear you down after hours and hours.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
With a constant stream of lights and noises in the hospital, by far the most useful items in my bag were ear plugs and a sleep mask! They helped immensely in getting much needed rest before and after delivery!
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What surprised you about your birth?
After having a vaginal birth prior to this baby, I thought it was going to come easy! I was wrong and that is okay. After 40 hours of labor, 3 hours spent pushing and a failed vacuum delivery I ended up with a C-section. While it was scary at the time, it all came out fine. My husband and I stared at each other in amazement when we heard our baby cry for the first time and it was still very special no matter how he was delivered.
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Just keep an open mind and don't beat yourself up if things don't go as planned! Every story is unique and special.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Distractions were a welcome relief. My husband brought our laptop in and streamed my favorite shows for me to help take my mind off the pain and lighten the mood!
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What position did you end up delivering in?
C-section
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Don't worry that you are missing out on the first moments if you end up with a C-section. It was still a wonderful moment to hold my son for the first time! Plus staying in the hospital an extra day or two gave me time to really focus on my new baby and getting the rest I needed.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Just keep an open mind and don't beat yourself up if things don't go as planned! Every story is unique and special.
