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When did you realize you were really in labor?
It was around 9 pm, right after kissing my toddler goodnight, that I started having some contractions that felt different than Braxton Hicks. I decided to take a shower and lie down a bit, in case it was the real thing. And it was! Contractions started coming stronger, every 12-15 minutes. After a couple of hours in bed, I felt I couldn't handle them anymore lying down, I needed to move around. So I did. Turned on some candles, fairy lights had a snack, and paced up and down the living room. When I realised the contractions were coming every 10 minutes, I needed to be half sitting on the floor, wrapped over the birth ball. That's how I spent almost the rest of the labour! I then phoned the midwives, who came around 4 am, and by the time the pool was ready I was already just before transition. Water totally saved the day for me :)
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I think I was more prepared this time around, so the most challenging part was not the pain, but rather the thought of what will happen if it is very long labour and I'm exhausted, during the weeks prior labour day. But then one day, it occurred that this was just a thought! So, somehow, I surrendered to whatever life brought to me. I stopped thinking about it completely. So, the Pain only lasted for some seconds during the contraction and I could still focus on my breathing easily.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Meditation and relaxation every day, and dealing with fears of not being able to "make it" etc, one by one. And reading other birth stories, that helped so much!
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What surprised you about your birth?
How empowering it was! And how much "by the book": eight hours from the first contraction to baby in my arms, and each step leading harmoniously to the next :)
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Prepare mentally as well as physically. Go through your fears, observe and let them go. Our bodies know exactly what to do if we allow them to go through this with trust!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Breathing, vocalizing, and warm water.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It was magical! She was so alert and I was in seventh heaven!
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What did you name your baby, and why?
We named her Avgì, meaning Aurora or first morning light in Greek, as she was born at 6 am.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Prepare mentally as well as physically. Go through your fears, observe and let them go. Our bodies know exactly what to do if we allow them to go through this with trust!
