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When did you realize you were really in labor?
On July 9th, two days before her birth, my body expelled the mucus plug and I had some bloody show accompanied by mild contractions. As most first time mamas, I was not sure if these were contractions of labor or simply false labor. Later that night (it happened to be a full moon), I took a walk outside and moon gazed a bit. We were naming our daughter Naomi Luna with all intentions of appreciating and honoring God's creation of the moon (Luna). I had a feeling that with the full moon, she would begin making her entrance, and by 10 p.m., she did! Contractions began consistently from that point on.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The hardest part for my labor specifically was the duration. Labor started at 10 p.m. July 9th, and she exited the womb on July 11th at 3:50 p.m. I knew that the surges were temporary, but at that point, after the 30 hour mark, it felt like I would be in labor for the rest of my life lol! Fortunately, we had an amazing birth team with us, that never doubted my or my daughter's birthing capabilities.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
The most helpful thing for us, was actually learning the anatomy and physiological stages of labor. If I didn't know any better, my brain would have told my body that this pain we are enduring is dangerous. However, since I did research and learned about birth itself and its process, it helped me to view the surges as a functional physiological pain. Each contraction served a purpose. It was the hardest thing I had ever done, but I knew there would be light at the end of the birthing tunnel.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I did not expect my labor to go as long as it did. In my head, I had done everything to shorten labor - walks, dates, red raspberry tea, squats, you name it! I exercised from the beginning to the end of my pregnancy. However, babies come on their own time, and I honor that. I also was surprised at the energy during the pushing stage. I felt like I entered another universe and returned to earth upon her arrival. It was beautiful.
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It was indescribable! In some ways, it felt completely natural, like this was supposed to happen. It felt right. In other ways, I was in utter shock, I am holding this tiny human that was once just a miniature egg in my ovaries!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
The best pain relief strategy for me was the bathtub. My mom brought some magnesium chloride flakes to help provide my body with a magnesium boost. It was soothing to the rest of my body while my core endured the waves. It was also a nice secluded place that felt like my little mama cave for the time being, with the bathroom was dimly lit with himalayan salt lamps.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I expected to give birth in the tub, but my body had a different plan. I tried pushing in several positions including on my back, side-lying, in the tub, and even the toilet! We gave birth on the floor, on hands and knees, with my head squished into the birth ball.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It was indescribable! In some ways, it felt completely natural, like this was supposed to happen. It felt right. In other ways, I was in utter shock, I am holding this tiny human that was once just a miniature egg in my ovaries!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
I would urge other mamas to read positive birth stories. The media can do a really good job of distorting such a sacred process. I would also encourage them to learn about the functionality of birth. Learn what your body is doing, so that when you are working to bring your baby down, you know the pain is not in vain! Lastly, only have people who are as committed to your birth plan as you are present at your birth. There were many times when I doubted if I could really do this and if a home birth was a good idea after all, but I am so thankful that those around me never ONCE expressed doubt or asked if I wanted a hospital transfer. Trust yourself, your baby, and the process, mama!
