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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I woke up on a Tuesday morning at 2am with some faint contractions. I got up about 30 minutes later because they were just bad enough to keep me from sleeping. I walked around the house and did some cleaning and they kept coming inconsistently (some 5 mins apart, some 15 minutes apart). By morning, I was only getting 4 an hour. But I knew I was on the verge of labor so I went and got an acupressure massage to try and get things going. That afternoon, things started to pick up and the contractions were becoming stronger, but still fairly inconsistent.
I went into the midwife center when contractions felt strong to me, and I was a tight 3cm, so they sent me home. within two hours, the flip switched and the contractions were coming VERY strong and every 3 minutes. I could barely stand up. That's when I knew I was in active labor.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Not knowing how long active labor was going to last and not having good breaks in between was very challenging. I felt defeated and asked to be taken to the hospital for an epidural. I wanted to quit and give up. Thankfully, my husband and birth team helped me focus on one contraction at a time and encouraged me to stay there (and I did!)
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Doing a birth center really helped me because if I had an option of an epidural, I would've had one (and I did with my first birth). The birth center also allowed me to form a relationship with my birth team, giving me the best chance at the birth I wanted.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I was most terrified of transition and pushing since that is said to be the most painful part of childbirth, but I found it easier than the middle part of labor. Let's be clear, it WAS the most painful part, but it was easier for me because I finally had an end in sight and I felt that each contraction was more productive than the last... it wasn't just enduring, it was pushing and working with my body to get baby down the canal. My mood changed when I got to transition and I finally had the attitude of "I can do this... let's do this!".
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For your best chance at success, surround yourself with a team that will guide you and help you through each contraction, particularly when you feel that you want to give up and quit.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
I felt no real pain relief during labor, but my midwife did keep reminding me to keep my screams and groans low pitched, which helped me keep my oxygen levels good and stay semi-relaxed during each contraction.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Leaned to the side on my back
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
the RUSH!! How does one even use words to describe it? It was an incredible adrenaline rush after so much work. I felt an immediate connection and just loved him so much.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
For your best chance at success, surround yourself with a team that will guide you and help you through each contraction, particularly when you feel that you want to give up and quit. There encouraging words will help get you through it.
