-
When did you realize you were really in labor?
I was so used to irregular contractions after weeks of prodromal labor, that I actually didn't realize I was finally in the real deal until the beginning of active labor!
-
What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
For us, the most challenging thing was heavy resistance from family. When we told people we were having an unassisted free birth at home there was a lot of "you'll die." "What if something goes wrong!" "Baby could die" and so on. We even had a family member show up at our house while I was in active labor, trying to fear monger us into going to a hospital. Another family member threatened to report us to CPS if we didn't go in for a hospital birth.
-
received_1597946706965654
-
What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
This class! Hands down, this birth course is the number one thing that helped us feel prepared for our natural free birth.
-
What surprised you about your birth?
I was asleep when transition started. After 24 hours of active labor I was ready for a nap when contractions slowed down again. My partner checked me and I was only 4 cm so I laid down to rest and was able to fall asleep. I woke up two hours later, at 2 am, to my water breaking. Then went back to sleep after checking that there was no meconium. At 2:45 am I woke up to my body pushing involuntarily and it was the most MAGICAL thing! Arlo was born perfectly healthy at 3:15 am. I didn't push or strain once the entire time. I was also surprised by the length of labor. I had contractions start irregularly on December 23rd. Early labor began on January 13th. Active labor began on January 14th at midnight. And Arlo was born at 3:15 am on January 15th, after 27 hours of active labor and just 30 minutes from transition to crowning.
-
It felt like I was remembering a lovely dream. He was the most incredible thing I had ever seen or felt.
-
What pain relief strategies worked best?
I really didn't experience anything that I would call painful. I was very emotionally and mentally prepared for our birth and did a lot of physical preparation throughout the pregnancy. The positions that were most comfortable for me was walking around slowly, and laying over the yoga ball on my chest and knees.
-
What position did you end up delivering in?
Standing then hands and knees. When I was standing it was really intense. I could feel gravity pulling Arlo down between the Ferguson reflex involuntary pushes. I thought I was going to tear because he was being pulled out too fast! Once I went onto my hands and knees, just as he was beginning to crown, I was a lot more comfortable. He was 9 lb 13 oz, 42 weeks, and I didn't tear at all.
-
How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It felt like I was remembering a lovely dream. He was the most incredible thing I had ever seen or felt.
-
How did the Mama Natural Birth Class help you in your childbirth?
In every way! I felt very mentally prepared. My partner was a champion throughout our labor and helped me stay comfortable. He was the counter pressure king and was able to use the things we learned. I also was able to recognize active labor and transition from what we learned. Without the class, our labor would have literally been a whole other story!
