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When did you realize you were really in labor?
My hubby and I went swimming early in the day to see if we could get things moving along as I was 38 + 6 weeks and facing possible induction. We had a great time but as I was changing in the locker room I noticed that I seemed to be leaking a little. I told my husband that I thought my water might be breaking and he suggested that we grab lunch and head home to rest. By the time we got home I started having mild, sporadic contractions so we texted our doula and midwife to let them know. While resting and taking a nap, a contraction woke me up and I knew it was finally happening!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The natural process wasn’t the challenging part, making sure that I was able to have a natural birth in a hospital was the challenge. I had my mama natural birth plan printed and ready to go and I was shocked how accepting the nurses were of my choices. They didn’t push back on anything and helped me have the natural birth I was hoping for! However, it’s so important to know what you do and don’t want and to not be afraid to defend your decisions.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Hiring a doula! She was the best investment we ever made. She was a wealth of knowledge during my pregnancy and was the best support coach my
Husband and I could have asked for. Also, taking childbirth classes taught by a doula! We took some highly recommended classes that taught advanced, natural coping techniques.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How strong I actually am! I’ve always been afraid of hospitals and medical procedures so I was nervous about not knowing what would happen during my labor and delivery. My doula gave me the best advice by saying to just give myself to the process - don’t try to fight the contractions, ride along with them and let them do the work. It was the best advice as I felt so calm and empowered even during the most difficult parts.
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My doula gave me the best advice by saying to just give myself to the process - don’t try to fight the contractions, ride along with them and let them do the work. It was the best advice as I felt so calm and empowered even during the most difficult parts.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
I spent a good portion of early labor walking and “slow dancing” with my husband. During transition, the tub was my best friend! The hot water hitting my back and abdomen got me through those tough transition contractions. Also, hitting the pressure points on my hands and feet helped greatly!
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On my back. Just as I started to feel the overwhelming urge to push the nurse noticed that baby’s heartbeat was decelerating rapidly and not recovering. They got me out of the tub and over to the bed where we tried every possible position to see if it helped the heartbeat recover. At that point the midwife decided to call in the OB on call. When the OB came in and heard what was going on, she immediately called for an emergency c-section. My midwife fought for me and told the OB that she thought I could deliver vaginally. They attempted to use the vacuum to help the baby along but it popped off after the first try. 20 mins later after using every bit of strength and energy I had, I pushed my son out on my own!
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Unbelievable and such a relief! The final 40 minutes of my labor was so rushed and stressful that I was just so relieved, thankful and happy that he was here safe and sound! It’s such a euphoric feeling, the birth high is real!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Believe in yourself and your body, we’re meant to do this! Take classes that are offered outside of the hospital, ideally those taught by natural birth professionals. Read positive birth stories. Read and repeat your birth affirmations everyday. Most importantly, know what you want and don’t be afraid to defend your decisions.
