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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I felt some light recurring cramping late Sunday morning at 40 weeks and 6 days gestation. I was already anxious knowing that my hospital birthing friends would already be induced by this point, yet my midwife seemed far from concerned. This was my second birth. My first happened quickly in 8-hours total, with only 3 hours of active labor, so I expected this one to be so much quicker! Yet, 5 hours later I was still just experiencing light, regular contractions. My husband and midwife knew that this was the day he would come before I was able to fully convince my own brain. All I needed was to know what to do right NOW.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Being impeccable with my words. I never allowed myself to use words that made this event anything less than perfect, natural, beautiful. I choose to forget the many words that fill many modern birth classes and to fill my brain with empowering, woman-centered language. This birth is about my body, my mind, and my relationship with the life growing inside of me. During the most challenging moments, when the negative part of my brain would try to whisper to me, I consciously chose to say out loud with full strength, "I CAN DO THIS!" Then repeat incessantly!
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I felt confident in myself as this was my second birth. However, when I began reading Ina May Gaskin's Guide to Childbirth, I couldn't put it down! This book made me feel re-energized, confident in my plan and choices, and excited to experience the beauty of this powerful life changing event!
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What surprised you about your birth?
Birth is 90% mental, the other half is physical. The birth of my first and second sons ignited and reinforced a powerful voice in my brain. Birth helped me to strengthen my will-power, to come more in touch with my inner-self, and to prove to myself that I CAN DO ANYTHING. Birth transformed me.
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This birth is about my body, my mind, and my relationship with the life growing inside of me. During the most challenging moments, when the negative part of my brain would try to whisper to me, I consciously chose to say out loud with full strength, "I CAN DO THIS!" Then repeat incessantly!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Imagery, positive self-talk, and confidence in myself. I had a few short planned phrases that made me feel empowered and when I began to feel the lows I would repeat my phrases out loud to myself. I won't say that it was easy. Louder and louder my Body would bellow, challenging my Everything. I made loud, low Hmmmms and told myself that THIS is JOY. This IS joy. This is the joy of Being. Let yourself begin from a place that knows this is what our bodies are meant to do!
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I first met my beautiful baby boy in water, in the bathtub of my own bedroom. I'd call it somewhere in between a yoga deep squat and happy baby pose! My husband stood behind me in the tub to try to help brace my back as I did this. It made for nice photos since he got right in there with me! :)
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
After hours of concentration, full-soul-wrenching effort, the moment of glory surprised me. I felt a moment of calm stillness. I took a Deep Breath and then He Was Here. Holding him was surreal, amazing, powerful, blissful, perfect. I felt as if time stood still as I witnessed the full presence of God and the Universe in a single breath.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Don't just believe in yourself, KNOW your own power. You are strong, your body is perfect, and you CAN DO ANYTHING. Life is beautiful!
