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When did you realize you were really in labor?
When my contractions were 2 to 3 minutes apart and I really had to love and breath through contractions. I thought it was just Braxton Hicks up until then.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Not requesting pain meds in active labor. Before I found out how quickly I was progressing I played with the thought of getting an epidural but I'm so thankful I did not!
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
First and foremost Prayer and trust in Jesus! I would not have gotten through labor and birth without God! I also read a lot on natural birth and multiple techniques from hypnobirthing to Bradley to Ina May. My favorite book was The Christian Childbirth Handbook.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How much easier it was to go natural than my previous birth where I was induced and got an epidural. I may have had longer amounts of pain during labor but in the end it was so worth it to see how much healthier my baby and I were this way around!! No tears and I could immediately get up and walk around after. I think the most surprising is how quickly I recovered and how good I felt. I got the birth I had dreamed of and was so thankful that God had answered my prayers.
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Just do it, you will not regret it!! Study as much as you can. I cannot stress how important it is to be vocal during your contractions. It needs to be a low and throaty 'Ohh'. If you scream or are high pitches it makes it more painful. In the end trust your instincts and stick to your plan. It will pay off in the end. Taking medication may lesson the tension/pain in labor but it will cause more pain and recovery later and you will have a less responsive baby.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
The best strategy was to let go of fear, fear leads to pain, and a deep 'O' moan during contractions really helped ease the tension and open my cervix.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I delivered on my side but labored in multiple positions including hands and knees and standing.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Relief, so much relief! She was finally here and all the work was over!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Just do it, you will not regret it!! Study as much as you can. I cannot stress how important it is to be vocal during your contractions. It needs to be a low and throaty 'Ohh'. If you scream or are high pitches it makes it more painful. In the end trust your instincts and stick to your plan. It will pay off in the end. Taking medication may lesson the tension/pain in labor but it will cause more pain and recovery later and you will have a less responsive baby.
