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When did you realize you were really in labor?
When my water broke, around 6:30 in the morning.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
When the pain was so intense and I thought for sure I had made progress....Dr. checked me and said I was still only a 5. I cried.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I didn't rush to the hospital this time. I took my time knowing baby wasn't coming RIGHT NOW, and I did my hair and makeup. Packed the last few things I needed to pack in my bag. Instead of feeling rushed like I had to go right now, I relaxed and we enjoyed the last few moments of being a family of 3. I think that helped keep me calm for labour. Helped set the tone for the day.
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What surprised you about your birth?
That when it was time to push my internal instincts kicked in and I just did it. I can't even remember the pain, just that it needed to happen and I actually did it. I knew I wanted a natural birthing experience this go around, and m uh nurse was amazing and let me do what I wanted. No pit, no pain interventions. Slow steady birthing experience...until the last couple hours lol then it was intense and crazy, but in a good way.
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It's hard. There's no sugar coating it, once it gets going you get to a point where you probably want to give up. Just know that once you hit that point, you're probably right around the corner from holding your new baby.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
I didn't really have much pain until maybe the last 2-3 hours. Contractions were pretty managable, breathing slowly helped alot. When they became more intense the help of my husband just being close was really nice. I found sitting on the birthing ball rocking my hips helped.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I didn't think I would, because I had hoped in my mind for a different position... but when it came time to push it was on my back, but reclined up. So half sitting, half laying. My legs were in the sturrups, but I had requested them right before because I was on my back minutes before and I told them I needed my feet on something to push against during contractions.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Amazing. I had brief moments of panic because he was so calm when they laid him on me, I was afraid when he wasn't crying. But he was beautiful, and instantly the pain all subsided and it was a huge relief knowing I just did this, and it's a boy! Rush of emotions all around.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
It's hard. There's no sugar coating it, once it gets going you get to a point where you probably want to give up. Just know that once you hit that point, you're probably right around the corner from holding your new baby. Know that labour takes time and don't let the nurses or drs talk you into rushing it, listen to what your body is telling you and make your own choices. Have a plan but know plans might change and be ok with knowing that. Also have a good support team that you trust to help you get through it all.
