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When did you realize you were really in labor?
Friday night, Sept 2nd, I had my first contraction.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Pushing! For my vbacs, I've always had to push starting from the 0 station. And crowning hurt.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Hired a doula! I learned so many valuable techniques to use during labor to help with contractions. Essentially, my doulas taught me how to work with my uterus during contractions and not against, which alleviated pain til crowning. L&D can be a beautiful thing when you have the knowledge of how to work with your body!
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What surprised you about your birth?
The prodromal labor followed by the swiftness of the rest, once it kicked in! And all I had to do was breathing with every contraction up until the last few before pushing. The whole endeavor was relatively painless compared to my previous labors. Weird, I know, but I'll take it!
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Don't fear it! There are so many tools out there to help you learn about your body and what happens during labor and delivery. Doulas, chiropractors, and books - they're wonderful things! Knowledge is power! And don't doubt yourself. You are woman, your body and you can do this! Fear will inhibit things, I know from experience. Let loose! Follow your primal instinct. As Ina May said it, let your monkey do the work! (Seriously, read her book on childbirth...)
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
This time, deep breathing worked for most of it. A few times, I had to use my vocalizations - I call em the cow moo and horse lips.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Ended up on my back. Baby came faster that way than it was on my side. Background: I have left hip problems that make many positions painful to be in, so I'm limited in how I can deliver.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Euphoric! All I did was cry tears of joy/relief when I had him in my arms.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Don't fear it! There are so many tools out there to help you learn about your body and what happens during labor and delivery. Doulas, chiropractors, and books - they're wonderful things! Knowledge is power! And don't doubt yourself. You are woman, your body and you can do this! Fear will inhibit things, I know from experience. Let loose! Follow your primal instinct. As Ina May said it, let your monkey do the work! (Seriously, read her book on childbirth...)
