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When did you realize you were really in labor?
As soon as my contractions became about 5-6 minutes apart and the tightening was slowly becoming more intense, I had a good feeling I was in labor. Although, it wasn't until I had my first contraction where I had to stop walking and just breathe was when I knew for sure it was real.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I was in active labor for 17 hours and was up for 25 hours when I was told I was still at 7 cm with no change in the past 6 hours. The most challenging part was mustering up the energy to continue through every contraction at this point. I was falling asleep in between each one for hours. After being told there was no change in 6 hours, I had to go against my desire for a natural birth and get an epidural so I could sleep. My total labor ended up lasting 32 hours with 3 hours of pushing, and I'm glad I got the few hours of sleep I did. I would have never made it.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
The best thing I ever did was hire a Doula. She helped me through every minute, every contraction, all my doubt, and reminded me of everything I learned and prepared for. Let's just be honest. It all goes out the window when you're going through it. I would have never made it as far as I did without her.
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What surprised you about your birth?
Sometimes you can do all the tricks to speed things up (naturally) or try to progress, but it doesn't always work. My son was slightly transverse and not descending as hard as I tried. This is a big reason why my active labor was 32 hours.
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Having a baby is extremely exhausting. Do light exercise while pregnant like walking, bouncing on a ball, or a few squats to keep up a some endurance. You also want to eat healthy. Imagine you are training for a marathon. Being prepared in every way is the wisest way to go!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Having someone stand behind you and press in on your upper hips through a contraction really relieves the back labor and opens up the pelvis.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I pushed on my hands and knees to work with gravity and then turned to my back to deliver. It was surprisingly more comfortable. Depending on how long you've been in labor, you may not have the energy for any other position.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It made it all worth it.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
1. Hire a Doula!
2. Prepare mentally - You need to be confident you want to go natural and that you can go natural. Avoid conversations with people encouraging you get the drugs. Watch successful natural births and videos on how to manage labor.
3. Prepare physically - Having a baby is extremely exhausting. Do light exercise while pregnant like walking, bouncing on a ball, or a few squats to keep up a some endurance. You also want to eat healthy. Imagine you are training for a marathon. Being prepared in every way is the wisest way to go!
