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When did you realize you were really in labor?
Although it wasn't my ideal plan, I was induced at 39 weeks because of Hypothyroidism. I really didn't want a Pitocin induction. We tried Cervidil first for twelve hours without any results. My OB broke my water, waited an hour to see if that would do anything and then ultimately switched to a low dose of Pitocin, after all, which we gradually increased over the course of several hours. I knew things were finally progressing simply based on the monitors. The contractions were coming closer together but I was still feeling pretty great. I knew things were really getting serious when I couldn't speak while contracting.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The entire induction concept was challenging. I worried that starting on this path would lead me to Pitocin, which would lead me to unnaturally intense contractions, which would cause me to ask for the epidural. I really struggled with it mentally and considered just not showing up for my scheduled induction. Spoiler alert: I showed.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Ina May's Guide to Childbirth was full of real stories of women who had wonderful natural birth experiences. Natural birth, as anyone will tell you, is a mental challenge more than a physical one. I was exhausted, but determined. I was in the right mindset to do it and I did. A couple of weeks after birth, my doula sent me a framed print of a quote that said "she believed she could, so she did", which pays homage to my birth experience but also serves as inspiration for my new daughter.
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What surprised you about your birth?
Other than the fact that I actually did it (!), I was surprised at the relief pushing gave me. I had heard that it can sometimes feel good, but I thought this was coming from the same women who have orgasmic births. In reality, the urge to push is very real and the relief it brings is indescribable.
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The exhaustion during labor is what sticks out to me most, not the pain. If you prepare with as much knowledge as possible, natural childbirth is not only doable, it's incredible and rewarding.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
My husband and my doula alternated using a massage tool on my lower back. For hours, the two of them worked that thing on my muscles. In recovery, that was what hurt the most: being sore from a 7-hour deep tissue massage!
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I delivered semi-reclined, with a nurse and my husband each holding a leg. I had laid back to be checked for dilation and once they said I was, indeed, at ten centimeters, I gave up on moving to any other position. I was delivering that baby right then and there.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
When the doctor put the baby on my chest, I felt flooded with a sense of relief, pride and accomplishment, but the immediate feeling of love was indescribable. I vowed to never let anything happen to this child. All of the discomfort, waiting and anxiety was absolutely worth it.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Women are totally capable of this. I considered myself to be a complete ninny and even with having been pumped with Pitocin, I did it. The exhaustion during labor is what sticks out to me most, not the pain. If you prepare with as much knowledge as possible, natural childbirth is not only doable, it's incredible and rewarding.
