-
When did you realize you were really in labor?
My water broke and woke me up at 1 am on the day my baby was born. This was my 4th baby, so I was sure the baby would arrive quickly. I woke up my husband and called my midwife, but real labor didn't start for over twelve hours, in the late afternoon.
-
What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I had expected this birth to go super quickly, because it was my fourth delivery and my second and third babies came very quickly. I labored much longer with this one, and mentally that was rough.
-
IMG_2269
-
What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Hiring my homebirth midwife! My other 3 children were med-free hospital births, but this experience with my 4th child was amazing. I felt so supported throughout my pregnancy and delivery.
-
What surprised you about your birth?
This was the first time my water broke before labor started!
-
Consider hiring a midwife or doula. The support I received from my midwife helped me get through a pretty grueling labor and delivery, and I relied on her heavily especially during transition.
-
What pain relief strategies worked best?
I moaned through contractions and changed positions regularly to get comfortable. In early labor I found it helpful to lean on a birth ball, which I covered with a blanket to make it soft.
-
What position did you end up delivering in?
I delivered my son while sitting on the edge of my living room sofa!
-
How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Amazing! I felt a rush of joy and pride and relief.
-
What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Consider hiring a midwife or doula. The support I received from my midwife helped me get through a pretty grueling labor and delivery, and I relied on her heavily especially during transition.
