-
When did you realize you were really in labor?
My son had a 2 vessel cord and IUGR so we had to be induced at 38 weeks. However, I decided to take things into my own hands and try to induce naturally by drinking a strong brew of Red Raspberry Leaf Tea, taking black and blue cohosh every 30 min to an hour and then sex with my husband finally started very strong contractions just minutes apart. So, I called my doula and she suggested going to the hospital to be checked. Sadly, the contractions died down and we had an augmented labor with Pitocin.
-
What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Getting through transition and people constantly questioning and doubting my decision to go natural.
-
20170831_152134
-
What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Hiring a doula!!! Making birth affirmations, drinking Red Raspberry Leaf tea, eating dates weeks before due date, reading about positive natural births, and taking a natural birth class.
-
What surprised you about your birth?
How quickly my son came! My labor was 26 hours and Pitocin had almost no affect on me. I only dilated to 4 cm in 24 hours. Once the doctor broke my water, 2 hours later my son was born after 2-3 pushes and he practically fell out! My doctor didn't make it!
-
Hire a doula if you can and make sure you have an awesome support team. Trust that you were created by an awesome God and He created you to birth! Trust your body and don't let fear in!
-
What pain relief strategies worked best?
I spent the majority of my labor leaning on a peanut ball on my knees, in the bed, while my doula and husband massaged my back and squeezed my hips. The tub was helpful also!
-
What position did you end up delivering in?
Kneeling/squatting on the bed. Once my doula noticed I was pushing everyone tried to get me to lay down on my back, but the contractions were too intense and after a couple pushes my son just fell out! Gravity assistance was awesome! I felt no pain during pushing (no ring of fire) and it felt wonderful to feel him coming out! I knew it was the end!
-
How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Huge relief!!! We were worried he wouldn't be okay because of his IUGR and other minor complications found during pregnancy. I was so glad he was crying and finally safe in my arms!
-
What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Hire a doula if you can and make sure you have an awesome support team. Trust that you were created by an awesome God and He created you to birth! Trust your body and don't let fear in!
