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When did you realize you were really in labor?
When I was induced ;)
I was induced at 41 weeks by balloon catheter in the hospital.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The pain as the contractions started coming faster and harder! I had to labor on my side, laying down to keep baby's heart rate from dropping and that was a challenge. Contractions are much easier to get through when you can move freely.
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GRB
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Hire a doula! She was a walking birth encyclopedia! I recommend all mamas look into having a doula who can support them through pregnancy and childbirth.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How quickly the time passed! I felt like 13 hours of labor went by so fast! I was also surprised at how the procedures I had done (catheter, breaking water, etc) were not nearly as scary or painful as I'd feared. My body rose to the occasion!
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Do it, go natural! But be prepared, informed and strongly consider hiring a doula to help you.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Changing positions...they didn't all feel good, but I found ones that worked well. Vocalization, letting whatever sound needed to come out of my mouth, come out. My doula's encouragement, she knew just what to say to get me to relax my face, my hands, my body.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
C-section.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Amazing! I was alert and excited. He started nursing straight away like a pro!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Do it, go natural! But be prepared, informed and strongly consider hiring a doula to help you. Having you spouse or partner is great too, but there's something about women helping women. Especially an experienced birth professional helping a mama carry out her wishes, especially if birthing in a hospital setting.
