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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I'd had many "is this it?" moments for over a week before, so I questioned myself when they started. But I felt confident that they were productive contractions when they started distracting me from conversing with my family.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I remember the first time I gave birth, it was the unknown that challenged me most. The second time, though, it was remembering how challenged I was that first time!
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
The birthing center gave the opportunity in their birthing class to practice contractions in the birthing suites. I feel like the familiarity of having practiced there helped me settle in and get in my zone quicker.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How much easier it was than the first one! I was more prepared this time around, I wasn't so scared that it'd never end. I was able to manage my contractions, relax my muscles, etc. It was still pretty painful but I felt so much more in control!
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It felt like sparks setting off within my heart, figuratively. So much love!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
The birthing tub paired with hot water being drizzled down my back by my partner. I counted to 100 through my contractions, it made me feel like the time was passing through my contractions rather than just waiting for it to end. Also actively being reminded which muscles to relax ("loosen your shoulders", "unclench your jaw", etc) by my partner.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
In the end, I ended up leaning back into my partners arms to push the baby out. He had a stool within the birthing tub and I was leaned back into his stomach.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It felt like sparks setting off within my heart, figuratively. So much love!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Have a supportive, informed partner there for you. Someone who can remind you to relax your muscles, except says it more specifically, someone to tell you how well you're doing... and, for me, to lean into between contractions. Someone who knows your birthing wishes through and through and you know will advocate for you. Also a midwife/ OB who is super supportive and excited for your birthing wishes. Take a class if you can, especially for your first time. It was incredibly helpful to practice in the room I birthed in!
