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When did you realize you were really in labor?
Two days before my due date, I went to bed around 9 PM with some irregular contractions coming 12-15 minutes apart. I had been experiencing similar contractions for over a week so I thought it was just prodromal labor. At 1 AM I woke up with stronger contractions coming 6-8 minutes apart. I stayed relaxed in bed and fought the urge to “get labor going” (thank you Mama Natural!). By 2:30 AM my contractions were 5-6 minutes apart, and at 3:30 they were coming every 3-5 minutes. By then I had already woken up my husband and called my doctor. She suggested I head to the hospital so we packed up and made our way!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging part about going natural was staying focused on taking each contraction one at a time, riding the wave, and resting in between. It’s easy for your mind to think of all of the contractions as one event. That gets you wondering “how am I ever going to get through all of these?” I had to check in with myself often, but I made it!
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
The Mama Natural Birth Course was the #1 way I was able to cope with labor. I was able to have a natural birth at a hospital under the care of an OBGYN because I knew what to expect and was able to clearly communicate with my doctor and nurses.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How the moment your baby is born, all of the pain and intensity evaporates. About 5 minutes after our son was born, my husband asked me “would you do it that way again?” (Talking about natural childbirth) and I said “absolutely”. I stand by that!
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I knew what to expect in each stage of labor, the delivery, and postpartum. Nothing was “scary” because I knew what was normal. It helped me stay calm and focus on coping with contractions. Everything happened so quickly (my first baby and I only labored for 7.5 hours) so I needed to stay focused on breathing through contractions, not worrying about what was happening around me.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Counter pressure on my low back during contractions. I used the nitrous gas to help me catch my breath during transition and that was so helpful in making sure I could relax and cope.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Euphoria.
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What did you name your baby, and why?
Ford Adam. I hear another little boy named Ford and thought it was adorable. My husband loved it too. His middle name is Adam, after my late brother (who I know escorted him from Heaven to Earth).
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How did the Mama Natural Birth Class help you in your childbirth?
How did it not?
I knew what to expect in each stage of labor, the delivery, and postpartum. Nothing was “scary” because I knew what was normal. It helped me stay calm and focus on coping with contractions. Everything happened so quickly (my first baby and I only labored for 7.5 hours) so I needed to stay focused on breathing through contractions, not worrying about what was happening around me. The Mama Natural birth preference sheet was also a huge help and all of my nurses were happy to oblige. I loved not having to repeat my preferences each time I got a new nurse.
