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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I'm a L&D nurse, but first time mama. I went into work after a day of harder contractions and had another nurse check me. She looked up and said you're not gonna be working tonight!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The exhaustion (40+ hrs) and the last phase was the hardest. I could breathe and focus through the contractions, but after 7 hours at 7 cm I ended up getting an epidural. My little one came less than an hour later!
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Learned the 'J' breathing technique! It was wonderful. I felt in control, but more that my body knew what to do, the pain became pressure. I also learned what needed to happen during each stage, and came to an understanding that whatever needed to happen for baby and myself to be healthy was ok. I didn't need to pressure myself to follow a plan, just let my body do what it needed to do.
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What surprised you about your birth?
After getting an epidural the midwife asked my husband about 'catching' our little girl. He really didn't want to, but I had thought if I could get to that point, maybe I could be the first person to hold her. So I asked, because you never know, and she had the nurse and my hubby squish me together, floppy legs and all, perfectly timed to grab her under her arms and whip her out and onto my belly!
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Amazing, empowering, surreal. After miscarriages and 7 years with my hubby, and becoming an L&D nurse, everyone got to have their baby but me. It felt like it was finally my moment.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
The 'J' breathing technique, showers, and counter pressure.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On my back, we tried on my side but I rolled over to be able to be the one to 'catch' her.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Amazing, empowering, surreal. After miscarriages and 7 years with my hubby, and becoming an L&D nurse, everyone got to have their baby but me. It felt like it was finally my moment.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Ask for help, ideas, and take your time. Your body knows what it needs to do, it was made for this time, embrace each wave, and focus and breathe through them.
