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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I had a scheduled induction.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging part was not tensing up during the contractions. Relaxing thru them helped my cervix dilate quicker. But it sure was difficult because pitocin contractions hurt much much worse then contractions without pitocin.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Mental preparation
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What surprised you about your birth?
I was surprised at my bodies ability to start pushing without me having any control over it. I almost delivered in the bathroom because I involuntarily started to push when I went to go use the restroom. I had no idea I was already completely dilated. I just thought I had to pee. I wobbled back to my bed, and 2 minutes later she was in my arms.
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Do your best to stick to your birthing plan. The pain is only temporary. I focused on meeting my baby, and imagining what she would look like. It helped a lot to have the mental distraction. Anything to not think about the pain that I was in.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Breathing thru the contractions, and counter pressure on my hips.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Standard birthing position. But I labored almost the entire time on my feet swaying my hips, or circling on the yoga ball.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It felt amazing! The feeling never gets old.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Do your best to stick to your birthing plan. The pain is only temporary. I went thru 5 hours of painful pitocin contractions. I wanted to give in so bad, several times and get the epidural. But I talked myself thru each one in my head, and told myself over and over that I could do this. I focused on meeting my baby, and imagining what she would look like. It helped a lot to have the mental distraction. Anything to not think about the pain that I was in.
