-
When did you realize you were really in labor?
"I think you'd better start blowing up the pool," I told my husband Saturday afternoon. I had only been having contractions for 10 minutes, but they came with the familiar bend-over-and-hold-onto-something sharpness that I had experienced 3 times before. Within two hours from that moment, my midwife and friend had arrived, the birthing pool was inflated, and contractions were 2 minutes apart.
-
What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I've gone natural with each of my 4 children. The stinging, burning sensation that comes with delivering a baby naturally is something I have never forgotten--probably because all of my children are born so closely together that I don't have time to forget! The fear of reliving that particular pain will always be the most difficult part of going natural.
-
IMG_1480
-
What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Prayer throughout the pregnancy for calm during the pushing process was the most helpful thing I did to prepare for childbirth. Prayer during contractions and during pushing helped also. Physically, it helped to take red raspberry leaf tea, and it helped to stay active throughout the pregnancy.
-
What surprised you about your birth?
This was my first pool birth, and I was surprised by just how relaxed I became when I got in the water! I didn't get in until I knew it was going to be time to push. As soon as I got in, I leaned forward against the soft pool wall, and I felt like I could fall asleep. The pain of contractions was gone, though I could feel the baby moving herself down.
When it was time to push, i delivered on my knees, and the calming water allowed me to feel exactly what my baby was doing. I felt her turn as she came out. I could feel her head, her shoulders, her belly, everything.
When she came out of the water, she didn't cry. The comfort of being delivered in warm water and then scooped up into my arms left my baby at peace.
-
Do it, because you were made to! You CAN do it! It's best for you and for your baby. The feeling of relief after a natural birth is accomplished is a natural high surely like nothing else.
-
What pain relief strategies worked best?
Prayer. Leaning on things throughout contractions. A warm pool at delivery.
-
What position did you end up delivering in?
On my knees.
-
How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Thrilling. The pain was over. The joy had come. This birth was perfect from the start and perfect at the finish, and I was full of joy.
-
What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Do it, because you were made to! You CAN do it! It's best for you and for your baby. The feeling of relief after a natural birth is accomplished is a natural high surely like nothing else.
