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When did you realize you were really in labor?
Little girl took her sweet time so there was lots of anticipation. Eleven days past her due date, around five in the evening (which is exactly when I went into labor with her brother) I noticed I had lost at least part of my mucus plug. We called my parents to come get our son for the night, fairly confident (and hopeful) that Little Miss was finally on her way. Contractions slowed way down by 7 but picked up strongly around 8. By 10:15 I was in serious pain and my husband quickly cleared the snow from the car and we drove the one mile to the hospital. Fortunately it was a quick trip because it turns out I was basically in transition at this point! Even up until I started pushing (just over an hour after reaching the hospital) I just couldn't believe the contractions were really moving her down - it all seemed too fast.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging part about going natural was the intensity of the pain during contractions. I never wanted to do it another way so I worked hard to embrace the pain and often chanted out loud, "The pain has a purpose" during the rise and fall of the contractions.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
The two most helpful things I did was hire a doula, and read "Ina May's Guide to Childbirth." Both were truly the difference-makers in terms of being confident in my body and releasing fear.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I was surprised by how I was able to truly trust my body and work together with it to birth my daughter. During my first birth, while I was able to go natural, I was full of fear and doubt and like I had to "win" at this game of natural birth. By releasing and letting my body be the guide, I felt like I had a peaceful control this time. I rested well during contractions, talked to my baby while pushing, and found a great birthing position.
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Face your fears! Even though I had already had a natural delivery I was still afraid of the sensation of the baby being the the birth canal and of her head emerging. I looked at lots of pictures of heads crowning and tried to identify where my fear was coming from. Be set in your ways and well prepared but also understand that things may not go the way you plan.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
She came so quickly that I didn't use many specific strategies. Having my husband and doula close by was so comforting. I know my doula used some lavender EO on my low back at one point. My husband read aloud some of the positive birth affirmation cards I had written up before hand.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I delivered on all fours on the bed with a birthing ball under my upper body for support. I found it so helpful to have something (the sides of the bed) to pull against during contractions (my arms and shoulders were sore the next day!). While holding the hand of my doula or husband was nice, it didn't give me the counter strength I needed.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Holding my daughter for the first time was incredible. All the pain had served its purpose and was now gone! I felt so thankful that God had brought her safely to us in His way and time - just as we had prayed for months.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Face your fears! Even though I had already had a natural delivery I was still afraid of the sensation of the baby being the the birth canal and of her head emerging. I looked at lots of pictures of heads crowning and tried to identify where my fear was coming from. Be set in your ways and well prepared but also understand that things may not go the way you plan. Research "gentle c-sections" and have two birth plans written up - that way if you end up needing to go another route you feel well prepared and can give you and your baby the best start, even if it isn't what you hoped for.
