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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I woke up to use the bathroom and for the past several nights before I had cramping with my Braxton Hicks when I had to use the restroom so I figured it was the same situation. After using the restroom I was still cramping and the contraction was lasting longer then my Braxton Hicks had... so then after a couple minutes I thought to myself that this must be the beginning stages of labor! So I then got in the shower? Wanted to start the day off relaxed.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
What is ironic about this question for me is that I am a labor doula but I hired one as well- and if it weren't for my doula I might have had the baby at home! I would not have been able to tell when I should have gone to the hospital. I was happy laboring at home and comfortable so I would have stayed there as long as possible. And with knowing what I do I probably would have pushed it too far at home and not made it to the hospital which would have given my husband a heart attack.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Stay calm and relaxed about what our birth was going to be & hiring a Labor Doula
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What surprised you about your birth?
As a first time mom I expected to be in labor a long time. From start of contractions to the birth of my daughter it was only 15.5 hours. They may sound long but it felt fast to me. It may have been that I never looked at the time.
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You can do it!!! You're body was designed to birth babies.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
I bounced on my birth ball and got in and out of the tub while laboring at home. At the hospital I used the peanut ball
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Side laying on my left with pulling my right leg up to my chest. It looked very awkward but it worked perfect for us.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Honestly since my daughter is our rainbow baby I expected to cry & feel relief that she was earth-side, safe & healthy but I didn't cry. It was this feeling of "this is normal" if that makes sense or maybe the feeling of "home". It took several hours for me to get the mushy feeling but I have it now!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
You can do it!!! You're body was designed to birth babies. The Mama Natural affirmation cards were really good to recite during contractions. I picked ones that spoke to me and read them out load while contracting. Hire a labor doula if you can or take childbirth classes especially for the your partner. Create a plan that in the end you know you'll feel empowered.
