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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I went into labor a day before my due date while I was at the hospital! Earlier that day I went to a routine weekly appointment at my OB, they sent me over to labor and delivery triage to run some tests as my blood pressure was high that day. I assumed the tests would be run and I would be on my way shortly. However, much to my dismay, I was told an induction would be the safest route for me to take at that point and was moved to a labor and delivery room. At that point I figured I should get my husband to head to the hospital if they were going to induce me. I was so bummed about having to get induced, I had wanted so badly to do everything as natural as possible. The doctors and nurses knew I didn't want to be induced so they compromised with me and were going to let me eat before they started the induction process. As I waited for my husband to arrive with food, things changed dramatically. Once the food arrived I had lost my appetite completely and was experiencing intense contractions. The nurse decided to go ahead and check me again even though it hadn't been very long. As she checked me her eyes grew wide and she immediately ran to get the doctor....I was at 10 cm already. This is when I realized I was really in labor. All on my own before they even started any induction procedures, only four hours total!!!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging thing about going natural was anticipating what would happen next. It was really terrifying when I got to the pushing stage as I knew it would be painful and I knew I would feel all of it! But thankfully, the pushing wasn't near as bad as the contractions right before that point.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I did a few classes to prepare for my childbirth (Mama Natural online course - which is so great and entertaining, and Hypnobabies). These classes were great and gave me a great foundation of knowledge but the most helpful thing that I did to prepare for childbirth was getting a doula. My doula was simply amazing. It was so comforting and reassuring to have someone just a text message/phone call/email away to answer all of my silly questions throughout pregnancy, and even postpartum! Even though my labor was relatively quick, when my doula walked through the doors of my labor and delivery room it was such a relief. Having someone there that's just there to support you, regardless, is truly comforting during such an intense time.
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What surprised you about your birth?
The quickness! My labor started out pretty intense, I assumed it was early labor and I had zero pain tolerance and would have to endure that kind of pain for 20+ hours and I was sure I wouldn't survive it naturally. Luckily it was just a super intense four hours before my beautiful babe arrived. The quickness of the recovery also surprised me, after our skin to skin time, I was able to push the bassinet with my sweet daughter in it down to our recovery room. I was so thankful to be able to be up and moving around shortly after birth.
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As she was born and then she was placed on my chest. It was so surreal, the best moment of my life.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Deep breathing and keeping my hands relaxed. I had plenty of options available including the shower and birth ball, but laying on my side was the only thing I wanted to do. Doing deep breathing through contractions and being sure to keep my hands relaxed helped me to work through intense contractions. I was also really comforted by having a blanket over me and the lights dim.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I tried pushing laying on my side as this position had comforted me through most of labor, but it didn't feel productive. I ended up delivering laying on my back grabbing onto my knees.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Amazing. It was so amazing to have her in my arms for the first time. My husband and I waited to find out the sex, he announced the sex as she was born and then she was placed on my chest. It was so surreal, the best moment of my life.
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How did the Mama Natural Birth Class help you in your childbirth?
The Mama Natural Birth Class was a huge help with childbirth. There were several things regarding post delivery baby care, such as the eye ointment and vitamin K shot that I wasn't familiar with prior to the class. It was nice to learn about these so I could do more research and incorporate them into my birth and baby care plan. The class also helped me in drafting my birth and baby care plan as it helped me to keep things simple and straight forward. I also enjoyed the stories that were shared throughout the class of natural births, it helped me realize that it was a possibility and that I was in control of my birth and I could do it naturally.
