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When did you realize you were really in labor?
About two hours before he was born. I was actually, probably in labor for three days. I started have very mild contractions on Friday, and thought I was in false labor. It wasn't until Sunday night, that the contractions were incredibly intense and just as I had decided I'd had enough, my mucus plug passed and my water broke and with two-three hours of that, my baby was born.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Probably the intensity of the contractions during transition. That, and some disbelief from older relatives/family friends that it was possible to get through labor without an epidural and/or other medical interventions.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I hired a doula to help talk me through pre-labor concerns, as well as back me up during the labor itself. I was very concerned about having my voice heard, since the hospital I was delivering has a high c-section rate (partly due to its great NICU).
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What surprised you about your birth?
That it was both very slow/long and then very fast.
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My doula helped talk me through my whole labor process. She made me feel more confident in my own capabilities as well as being a third and knowing eye in the labor room.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Sitting in my tub at home, filling it with warm water AND having the shower spray me as well. That, and listening to upbeat music that I liked.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I was on all fours. A position I ended up in accidentally, but was probably the best position I could have ended up in. I never thought the stir-ups position would work for me.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Very surprising! I wasn't sure my baby was mine! I have dark skin and he was born very fair skinned. Even now, he's only got an olive complexion. I was just fascinated with what he actually looked like. Even the 3-D ultrasound didn't do him justice.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Hire a doula! If you can afford one or find one in your price range, it is definitely worth it. My doula helped talk me through my whole labor process. She made me feel more confident in my own capabilities as well as being a third and knowing eye in the labor room. She ensured that my wishes were fulfilled and backed me up when they tried to force me into physical positions that weren't going to work for me.
