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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I knew I was in labor by early evening two days before my baby was born, when I had been getting contractions five minutes apart that did not slow down when I napped, showered, and then made dinner. By late evening they were much stronger and at 1:00 that night, my water broke--then I knew for sure there was no turning back!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging thing about going natural was to be in labor two nights without being able to sleep. I felt like the pain itself would have been bearable, but the utter fatigue is what made it all look almost impossible and made me feel like giving up!
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Definitely the most helpful thing was to hire a doula and to involve her and my husband in the natural childbirth course. We talked things through thoroughly before hand so that in the intensity of the moment, we each knew what the other was thinking and how to make decisions.
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What surprised you about your birth?
The intensity of the pushing phase surprised me! I didn't know my body was capable of such power. It was thrilling! I was also surprised that the actual birth didn't hurt as much as I thought it would. Maybe I was so focused on seeing that dear little head crown and glide out, to know that my baby was finally being born!
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It was an indescribable moment... We wept with great joy at finally holding our baby in our arms after 36 hours of active labor, 9 months of pregnancy, and 16 years of infertility. I want to treasure that memory forever.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
The best pain relief for me was the "hip squeeze" applied by my husband or doula during a contraction. It was also helpful to move around and change position whenever I wanted to, whatever position I wanted to, and to breathe with "horse lips" during the longest, most intense contractions.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
My baby was born with me sitting up in the hospital bed, with the foot end of the bed lowered and my feet resting on that.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It was an indescribable moment... We wept with great joy at finally holding our baby in our arms after 36 hours of active labor, 9 months of pregnancy, and 16 years of infertility. I want to treasure that memory forever.
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How did the Mama Natural Birth Class help you in your childbirth?
The mama natural birth class was a help to us in so many practical ways, but a huge part of it was simply the mental preparation and the encouragement of so many other men and women saying, "You Can Do This!"
