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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I thought I was in labour at 2am and continued to have contractions all through the night. I didn't want to wake my husband in case it was a false alarm! I realised I was really in labour at 6am when I went to the toilet and had my show.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Having a natural birth wasn't something I had my heart set on so I wouldn't be disappointed if it didn't happen. I just tried to stay positive and see how my labour progressed before deciding what I could and could not handle.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I tried to stay calm, relaxed and positive. I tried not to worry about what might happen and instead think I will get the same result, my perfect baby, no matter how my birth goes.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How quick it ended up being. I had heard so many horror stories about first births lasting days ect so I was very surprised when I made it into hospital and I was already 7cm dilated and she arrived 2hrs 15 mins later!
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I think if you go into labour with an open, relaxed mind you are not setting yourself up for disappointment or stressing yourself out if things do not happen as you had hoped. Hopefully you will have the natural birth you wish for but if it doesn't happen it really doesn't matter and you will realise that once you are holding your baby in your arms.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
I found standing through my whole labour very helpful. Also counting my breaths during a contraction and trying to focus on the feeling of the pain peaking then dipping back down. Also a lower back massage was great!
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I ended up delivering on my back. I had stood through my whole labour but when my waters broke they realised I had meconium in them so had to be put on a monitor. Luckily she arrived 15 mins later.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It was amazing. Words can't describe that feeling of being handed your newborn baby. All the pain, worry and stress of labour disappear instantly and all you can focus on is your perfect angel.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
My advice would be to not plan your birth and have your heart set on how you want it to progress. You really don't know what will happen, how you or the baby will cope. I think if you go into labour with an open relaxed mind you are not setting yourself up for disappointment or stressing yourself out if things do not happen as you had hoped. Hopefully you will have the natural birth you wish for but if it doesn't happen it really doesn't matter and you will realise that once you are holding your baby in your arms.