-
When did you realize you were really in labor?
I actually had an appointment with my OBGYN that day for an ultrasoundsince I was a week overdue. They sent me down the the hospital birthing center due to lack of amnio fluid in my womb. Once we got down there I was at 4 cm, so they decided to keep me and hook me up to pitocin for a bit. That's when i knew I was in labor and the game was on. ?
With 40 minutes of the pitocin, then my water broke with some meconium with it. They shut that off and it took about an hour and for the contractions to make themselves really known.
-
What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
My mom used to tell me that getting induced sucked and that it was much worse than natural labor. Boy! She was right!
With my first born, my water naturally broke. Which was nice! Starting from that time to when he was born was a total of three and a half hours!!!
My second one birth had rougher contractions, back pain, and some nausea. I still had him at three and a half hours even being induced!
Keeping your mind clear is another challenge as well trying to get comfortable.
-
IMG_2884
-
What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Having my husband with me, holding my hand, talking to me to keep my mind off of the monitor's especially the one that let you know when you were contracting. Having a focal point helped some as well.
But mostly him. Having a good support system really helps with every aspect of birth. From emotion to physical and everything in between.
-
What surprised you about your birth?
Wow, everything surprised me! Like how fast I progressed! I went from 7 to 10 in 15 minutes and with 3 pushes! One for the head, one for the body, and the afterbirth!? I really thought I would progress slower with being induced. (At least from what I've heard from other women). Also we decided to wait until birth for the sex. We thought this little one was a girl! Surprise! IT'S A BOY! ?
My husband is so willing to try new things still surprises me. After I held the baby for awhile(skin to skin), I asked him if we wanted to hold him like I was. Sure enough he was already whipping off his shirt and had his boy in his arms!
I can't believe, even after baby number two, how much our bodies go through in this process. It's all amazing. I can't wait to change up my birth plan for the next little one to have some new experiences.
-
Look at all your options. Its okay to research but don't feel peer pressured to do everything one way. You could always mix it up. I mean it's your BIRTH PLAN!
-
What pain relief strategies worked best?
I had some minor back pain so I was turning back and forth on either side and had my husband take his knuckles and work out the spot. Definitely helped for a little bit. Counting is another thing that helped me along with my focal point. Finding the most random thing to stare at while contracting.
-
What position did you end up delivering in?
Reclined. With my husband and another nurse holding my legs. But I was progressing so fast that the doctor wasn't ready yet!?
If I could have changed this, I would have loved to look more into water births. I've always found them intriguing.
-
How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Ah-mazing! Nothing compares to it. No matter if it's your first, second, fifth, twelfth! It's always a one of a kind experience that you can't even replicate.
I felt full, complete, loved,.....
I could go on.
-
What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Look at all your options. It's okay to research but don't feel peer pressured to do everything one way. You could always mix it up. I mean it's your BIRTH PLAN! Just because this person does it this certain way doesn't mean you have to follow. Make it your own.
Now a days, people are shamed for not doing the "right" thing for their kids. Everyone is going to have their own opinions and the way they do things.
