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When did you realize you were really in labor?
When the contractions were so strong and fast that I could no longer carry on a conversation or laugh, even in between. My midwife induced me with caster oil because my water broke but labor didn't start, so I was afraid throughout early labor that the contractions would just stop.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Because I have an unusual c-section scar (J-incision) the hardest part was dealing with the anxiety around doing that kind of VBAC. I knew that the ACOG guidelines and what research existed supported trying VBAC, but no OB would "allow" it. My options were basically home birth or Caesarean. My water breaking a bit early (39 weeks) made that more true.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Making a solid plan with our midwife for how the baby and I would be monitored and what criteria would send us to the hospital. Talking through what could go wrong and what would happen helped us all be calm and collected during the birth. We also decided to labor at our midwife's home instead of ours due to proximity to the hospital.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How fast the end went. I was only in really painful labor for about 4.5 hours. I went from 3 cm to the birth in about 2 hours.
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Find a provider that will support and respect you. Also, trust your gut, and do what makes you feel most safe.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Breathing deeply through contractions and the birthing pool.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Squatting in the birthing pool.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Ethereal, I was so happy that he was born, that he was fine, and that I wouldn't have to have major surgery.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Find a provider that will support and respect you. Also, trust your gut, and do what makes you feel most safe.
