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When did you realize you were really in labor?
On August 4th, I was told I needed to be induced, by both maternal fetal medicine and my midwives. Induction started at 10 pm, and by 12:45 AM on August 5th, I felt my first contraction. I knew because it was like a more intense period cramp. By 4:20 AM, I saw the bloody show. I knew this was progress. When the doctor came back around 5 AM he confirmed that I was 5 cm dilated, and I agreed to start Pitocin drip. The nurse showed my pattern of contractions already, and I texted Chloe (my doula).
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I was induced, but my birth was unmedicated. I didn't get to experience going into labor naturally or have my home water birth.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I did yoga, walked, took the Mama Natural online course, lactation courses, met with my doula to go over prelabor exercises and exercises for labor. I read Ina May's Guide to Childhood and Mama Natural affirmation cards to help feel empowered.
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What surprised you about your birth?
That it was pretty short (about 11 hours). I only pushed for 30 minutes. I learned this is not super common for first time moms.
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I was laboring in the bathroom before coming out to lean over the yoga ball which was on the bed. My hubby rolled a tennis ball on my lower back and I felt contractions/things becoming more “centered”. I labored while squeezing my doula's hand and sometimes my hubby's hand (when Chloe stepped out). I started crying at times because the pain and emotions were overwhelming. Chloe started putting my Mama Natural affirmation cards in front of me.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Deep breathing, having my doula and husband work together to rub a tennis ball on my back or use warm rice bag, changing positions, especially laboring on toilet.
I also had a peanut ball between my legs, as placed there by the nurse. I was started to breathe through my contractions and decided to get up to use the bathroom. I spent time changing positions, between sitting on the birth ball, standing, and leaning over the birth ball. I found that laboring on the toilet was very helpful. My hubby started up a music playlist on my phone (mainly Enya which I listened to a lot while pregnant).
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
I cried because not only was the pushing all done but because they placed her on me so fast and it was so surreal. I had three miscarriages before and this moment seemed so far away. There was all this worry from her being smaller and I was in disbelief that she was there and healthy, with all her fingers and toes.
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What did you name your baby, and why?
We named her Fiona Joy. We waited until almost the last minute at the hospital. Fiona seemed whimsical and powerful. Joy is my middle name, as well as my mom's middle name. Joyce was my grandma's name.
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How did the Mama Natural Birth Class help you in your childbirth?
We did not get to finish all sessions as she came three weeks early but it helped me to learn how to advocate for myself with a better understanding of various interventions.
