-
When did you realize you were really in labor?
I was cleaning up after dinner and felt a significant contraction, it was about 6:45pm. I took note of the time and the one that followed was about 8 minutes later. I kept track of them for about 30 minutes as I walked around the house. They stayed consistent at 8 to 10 minutes apart, lasting about 1 minute each. I was becoming short with my children and realized that it was time for them to go to their grandparents' home for a sleepover, that this was the REAL DEAL! Their bag was packed and I had my husband call his parents to come get them as I prepared last minute details before labor really began.
After our three kids were picked up, I contacted our midwife and her intern to let them know what was happening. I didn't ask them to head our way yet, but would keep them posted.
By 8pm things had slowed down so I decided to sit on my birth ball for a while. I had a couple more surges but they were farther apart. I was feeling tired so I laid down to rest a while and see if they would pick up again later.
Around 9 pm I was using the restroom and I felt baby wiggle way down low, he was very active that evening. He was getting ready to enter this world! The contractions picked back up strongly then. They remained around 5 minutes apart and lasted 1 to 1 1/2 minutes each. We let our midwife team know that they were welcome to come get set up, as things were moving forward!
-
What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
This was my fourth un-medicated, natural birth but each time the fears are similar. Fear of the unknown, fear of not being in control of my body, fear or pain, etc.
It's always an exciting, yet a bit scary, time knowing that labor is really present and your baby is arriving soon! It's a fight between faith and fear. Which will win? During this birth, like my others yet even MORE so, I felt God's great presence and peace in my home and heart. My faith increased and my fears subsided. The two cannot be in control at the same time.
-
DSC_0012
-
What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Reading informative books before labor and delivery have helped me immensely. My two favorite birth prep births are Ina May's Guide to Childbirth, by Ina May Gaskin and Supernatural Childbirth, by Jackie Mize. These two help to prepare my body and spirit for the labor (as in hard work) that is to come with birth!
Also reading the Bible and praying for peace, strength and wisdom are both important to me as I prepare for birth. It's God who gave me the child and God who will help to bring him/her forth!
-
What surprised you about your birth?
It was a blessing that our fourth baby was born after just four hours of labor. The experience was intense, yet joyful! I think that's what surprised me most about this birth... how peaceful and joyful I felt during the process. God was faithful every step (or contraction) of the way!
-
Read informative books on natural childbirth and avoid any negative information that would instill fear in your heart.
-
What pain relief strategies worked best?
Relaxing, closing my eyes, resting in God's great care, leaning on my husband for support, picturing a smooth labor and delivery in my mind, and breathing deeply all helped my body to open without fear. When your body can relax and open up, the pain isn't so intense or noticeable.
-
What position did you end up delivering in?
I was laying on my back on my bed, upper body raised up on pillows, when I delivered our son. I usually delivery quickly and my midwife helps in the delivery process to help prevent any tearing. It has worked well for me for the past 4 deliveries!
-
How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Great joy and relief! He was here! We made it!!!
-
What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Read informative books on natural childbirth and avoid any negative information that would instill fear in your heart. It's always good to be prepared with a backup plan, but hope for the best!
Ask God for His peace and joy during the process and RELAX! Enjoy the ride! Labor won't last forever and very soon your baby will be in your loving arms.
