-
When did you realize you were really in labor?
My labor kept starting and stopping for about a week. So I had a lot of doubts that anything was real, but it wasn't until the day before she was born that contractions started really picking up. My husband took the day off and we went for a couple of walks. The first walk contractions picked up, but then when we went back home they settled down. Then we went for another longer walk that evening and with that walk I actually had to stop during contractions. That is when I was truly convinced that she was on her way!
-
What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Transition. I still have memories of how intensely painful that short moment of labor was. It seemed like it was forever long.
-
image14
-
What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Definitely staying fit. I didn't necessary "exercise" but having a toddler around keeping me active was definitely helpful. Childbirth is like a marathon, and it definitely helps to be as prepared physically as possible.
-
What surprised you about your birth?
It was way way faster than my first birth! But also MUCH more intense!
-
Have support! We need our loved ones. Have your husband there as your birth coach, AND a doula!! Doulas are SO vital! Our loved ones and husbands need the doula just as much as we do ladies!
-
What pain relief strategies worked best?
The hip squeeze! If my husband thought he was squeezing my hips as hard as he could I wanted it 5 times harder. Haha! It was the only thing that worked for me.
-
What position did you end up delivering in?
I was actually lying on my side with one leg on the birth bar. Only because I was so exhausted and I was literally falling asleep in between pushes.
-
How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Surreal. Totally surreal.
-
What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Have support! We need our loved ones. Have your husband there as your birth coach, AND. A doula!! Doulas are SO vital! Our loved ones and husbands need the doula just as much as we do ladies!
