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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I woke up around 7:30 AM to pee after our FIRST nights sleep in our new home, and noticed a decent amount of blood in the toilet! Yikes! {I had prayed that baby would stay in until our bathroom was finished... I just couldn't picture waddling to a neighbors after having a baby to use their facilities} I had never heard of anything like this before, I had already lost my mucus plug, and I was feeling rested and relaxed, so I waited until my Dr's office opened at 8, called up to explain the situation, and they said to head to the hospital to get checked and that I would most likely be staying because I was 2 days past my due date. I called my hubby, got our bags together, packed up the car, ran to Tim Hortons to pick up breakfast, and came back home. When my husband pulled in the driveway he jumped into the car and we headed to the hospital. Once we got there we somehow managed to hop in the wrong elevator, and went to the WRONG 7th floor. Construction zone! We looked out the windows and saw the building we should have been in. I realized this was REALLY happening when we got settled on the correct floor (haha) and our amazing nurse Maria checked me and said " YOUR 8CM DILATED!" Then ran out of the room in a hurry!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I would say the most challenging thing about going natural were the few contractions leading up to pushing! OUCH!
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
A few things actually. Prayer being the biggest. Praying over this birth, declaring scripture over our baby and my body, speaking truth and speaking against any fear, anxiety, worry... prayer is powerful! Also, knowing that my baby was doing this with me encouraged me to give everything I had to team up for this wild ride. And lastly, about a month before our daughters birth, I started doing a perineal massage about 4-5 times a week to help with tearing.
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What surprised you about your birth?
The whole stinkin thing! I was amazed at the incredible, supernatural experience I just had... short, almost pain-free labor, beautiful delivery, and awesome recovery. I may have been a little extra surprised by the RING OF FIRE! No one really mentioned that before!
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You were made for this momma. You have everything you need, your body was designed and created to give birth... and the second there is a baby on your chest, the rest is forgotten.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Once the painful and intense contractions commenced, my husband would put pressure (like A LOT of pressure) on my lower back to help counteract the pain. In between contractions I would sway my hips back and forth and I could feel the baby inching down into position. It was also very helpful to be able to move around and change positions. I'm not a staying in bed, on your back, suffering kinda girl.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I did actually end up delivering half sitting/half laying on my back. I pushed on all fours for a while, then switched around and delivered a healthy baby girl after 1 hour and 1 minute!
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Indescribable. This may sound cliche, but there are no perfect words out there to describe the feeling of holding your baby for the first time. I felt like I would explode with emotion! Here is this little miracle on my chest, a little piece of her daddy and me together, fearfully and wonderfully formed inside me for 9+ months now a little breath of life on the outside! Seriously indescribable.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
You were made for this momma. You have everything you need, your body was designed and created to give birth... and the second there is a baby on your chest, the rest is forgotten. Speak, sing, declare OUTLOUD only positive things over your birth and your body and your baby. A healthy and positive mind set is KEY! And girl, the recovery of a natural, unmedicated birth is remarkable. One more thing... remember that your baby is doing this WITH you. You are a team, working together to the last second! This really encouraged me to give my best.
