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When did you realize you were really in labor?
My body did not go into labor, similar to with my first child. I was induced with my first child at 41.5 weeks, which was followed by 33 hours of labor and an emergency cesarean. Although here in Germany they offered the option of induction at 41 weeks (even for VBAC mamas), I opted against the traditional induction as we had already used many other methods throughout the pregnancy (acupuncture, walking, yoga, massage, etc). We chose to schedule a c-section for 41 weeks.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging thing about this birthing experience was realizing that my body, similar to my mothers, has a very difficult time with birth. Accepting that I can be thankful for cesarean and not bitter about them was very freeing.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
The most helpful thing I did to prepare for this birth was to make a list of all the strong women in my life and the events that displayed their strength to me. There were many events, actions and personality traits in this list that gave me perspective on being a strong women. Being strong does not begin and end with delivering a child vaginally.
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What surprised you about your birth?
The itching! And the difficulty I had with breathing at a few points during the surgery. During the c-section of my first child, I was exhausted from the induction and 33 hours of labor. For this second c-section, I was alert & well-rested. I was able to talk to my husband and the nursing staff during the procedure (& i had a great conversation with my doctor and the Hebamme before the procedure started!). It was a VERY different experience this time around. And a much more empowering and positive experience that I planned and was able to be prepared for.
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You can do it! Whatever way you get to hold your baby in your arms is special and wonderful. No matter how it happens, you will have your child on your chest soon. And you're going to be a great mama!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Epidural :)
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What position did you end up delivering in?
This cesarean was performed on a table that had a lot of joints and allowed for the easy re positioning of my arms and upper body during the procedure. My first cesarean was performed on a table that did not move and felt very awkward and restrictive (which is something I didn't think was possible during a surgery).
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
I wasn't able to hold my son with my hands at first. After my son was cleaned off, my husband was able to hold my son in a position right below my chin for the second half of the surgery, so we were able to have skin to skin contact pretty immediately. Holding him with my own arms and nursing him in the recovery room felt surreal.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
You can do it! Whatever way you get to hold your baby in your arms is special and wonderful. No matter how it happens, you will have your child on your chest soon. And you're going to be a great mama!
