-
When did you realize you were really in labor?
I woke up at 3 am feeling achy. I went to the restroom and realized that the contraction I was feeling was more intense than my Braxton Hicks contractions had been. I went back to bed and started timing a few. They were 9 minutes apart and that's when I knew!
-
What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
For me, the most challenging part of a natural birth was the unknown. This was my first labor/birth and so I wasn't sure what to expect. I had read many blogs and birth stories, taken classes, and talked to friends to prepare. But nothing prepares you like experience.
-
DNA4559
-
What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Having my husband attend the birthing classes and talking to him about what to expect was the most helpful. He was my rock throughout the entire labor he spoke affirmations to me the entire time. Having him present and focused on me is what got me through. During active labor I'd often look into his eyes and focus on him through a contraction. I could not have done it without him.
-
What surprised you about your birth?
I was most surprised by the way my body just knew what to do. Going in to it, logically, I knew this was the case. But to actually experience it happen was amazing. I was only checked once for dilation and effacement and that was upon my arrival to the birthing center. At that time I was 90% effaced and only 4 centimeters dilated. From there they just let me be. I had never labored or birthed a baby before, yet my body did all the work and knew exactly what to do. When I needed to push, my body knew and I pushed. It was pretty amazing to experience.
-
Words cannot describe the joy I felt when labor ended and she was in my arms. Pure bliss is about as close a description I can find.
-
What pain relief strategies worked best?
One thing I did in preparation to manage pain was not to use the word "pain" when thinking or talking about labor. I used the concept of intensity. I wanted to mentally prepare for the labor to not be painful, but intense. I also chose a water birth to help manage the discomfort. Both set me up for a great experience.
-
What position did you end up delivering in?
I delivered my beautiful baby girl on my hands and knees while in the birthing tub.
-
How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Words cannot describe the joy I felt when labor ended and she was in my arms. Pure bliss is about as close a description I can find.
-
What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Talk to friends who have done it. Having people around you that support the decision is critical to your success. You CAN do it. For me, natural childbirth was so empowering. I have never had the best self-esteem, but I was so proud of my body after her birth. I have never felt so good about myself as I did after that. Having a support system was the best thing I did - they spoke truth and affirmations into me and that set me up for a successful natural birth.
