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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I went in and out of labor for a few weeks. I had a stressful family situation going on involving my mom. Every time she showed up my contractions would stop due to the stress I was feeling. I ended up being induced at the hospital. My baby was stressed, probably because of my stress so he needed to come out. I was induced with pitocin, but still gave birth without an epidural or any other drugs given for pain management.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Not having the family support I needed, then in turn having to modify my birth plan.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Practicing relaxing my whole body. Getting in the right mindset for managing the pain.
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What surprised you about your birth?
That I was able to labor through an induction without drugs for pain. It wasn't as intense as I had imagined. I was blessed to have a nurse who wanted to help me have as natural a birth as possible. She raised the pitocin levels slowly and gave my body time to take over on it's own. It wasn't until I mentally let go of the stress I was feeling that my body finally took over and I progressed to 10 cm, and was able to deliver my baby.
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Don't get too much ''in your head''. Let go of everything around you, let your body take over, it knows what to do. Don't worry if everything doesn't go exactly as planned. It can still be a beautiful birth.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Relaxation techniques, and sitting on a birthing ball.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I ended up on my back because I was at the hospital and I ended up needing oxygen
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
I was so relieved that he was out! This was a very stressful pregnancy for me. I was happy to have him safely in my arms.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Don't get too much ''in your head''. Let go of everything around you, let your body take over, it knows what to do. Don't worry if everything doesn't go exactly as planned. It can still be a beautiful birth.
