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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I woke up at 5 am on August 27th and I was having contractions that felt more intense than the Braxton Hicks I'd been having for weeks. I waited until 6:30 am to wake my husband and at that point they were about every 5 mins. I called my OB-gyn at 7 am and she told me to stay at home for an hour and then come in if they were still consistent. She felt I would go quickly since it was my second birth. Also, I had a very bad yeast infection due to my midwife prescribing an antibiotic for a UTI that it turns out was yeast all along. (Just like doctors, some midwives are better than others). My OB-gyn wanted to make sure my very inflamed vagina would survive delivery.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The hardest thing was feeling like I wasn't progressing. I made very slow progress from the time I entered triage until I was suddenly ready to push. I remained at a 4 from my first check at 8 am until about 2 pm. I got into the tub and suddenly I felt the urge to push. I was checked and I was a 6, so I had some gas and air, which did nothing, and 5 mins later I was really pushing and when they checked again I was ready to have the baby.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
The most helpful things were the Mama Natural Birth Course, Super Natural Childbirth (I kept repeating in my head 'pressure not pain'), and a small amount of hypnobirthing (I was able to zone everyone out and get into my own space for most of my labor).
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What surprised you about your birth?
I was surprised that although this was exactly the birth I wanted, no drugs or interventions, I felt exactly the same as I had with my first birth, when I had epidural and vacuum and 3.5 hours of pushing with no feeling. When both babies were placed on my chest I looked at them with confusion and shock more than an overwhelming euphoria. I always thought that it was because of the interventions the first time, which was what really motivated me to go all natural this time. Turns out the feelings were much the same. Of course, I'm delighted I had my natural childbirth but it helped me let go of any grief I was holding on to around my first birth experience. With me the overflowing love and euphoria come a few hours later!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Very deep, noisy breathing and repeating over and over 'pressure not pain'. The tub really felt good but it also sped up my labor because I relaxed so much.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I delivered side-lying on the bed in the birthing center.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
As I said, it felt very surreal to hold her for the first time. I was really shocked that I had just given birth, and it took me about a half an hour to fall head over heels in love with my lovely baby girl. At first all I could think was 'why are her shoulders so hairy'!
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How did the Mama Natural Birth Class help you in your childbirth?
Doing the Mama Natural Childbirth course made me excited about going natural. I've been following Mama Natural for years now and I find her to be such a fantastic resource for a wannabe natural mama like me. You're the best, Mama Natural!
