-
When did you realize you were really in labor?
For medical reasons, I wasn't able to go past 39 weeks. I was already 100% effaced and 4 cm dilated, so my doctors and midwife were confident that breaking my bag of water was all that would be needed to kickstart my labor.
My water was broken at 8:05am, and good contractions started 5 minutes apart at 10am.
-
What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
This was my 4th baby, and my previous natural delivery of my 3rd was very intense and stressful-we barely made it to hospital/had a police escort/I went through transition in the backseat of the car alone. Getting into a mental place that every baby and every birth is different was really challenging for me.
-
IMG_0064
-
What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I prayed for a peaceful birth throughout my pregnancy and during the labor. I also kept reminding myself that my job was to breathe and relax, and to let my body do the rest.
-
What surprised you about your birth?
How incredibly amazing and healing it was! This was a DREAM birth and my husband and I have called it our "grand finale" to our family :)
-
Realize that every baby, pregnancy and birth is unique and no two are the same. Have confidence in yourself and your body to do what it was made to do.
-
What pain relief strategies worked best?
The weather that morning was rainy, and we kept the shades down so the room was dark and peaceful. I spend the majority of my labor on a birthing ball, and once transition was in full swing, it felt more natural to be leaning against the bed swaying from side to side with my amazing husband behind me. Breathing deeply through each contraction was also so important.
-
What position did you end up delivering in?
On my knees leaning against the head of the bed.
-
How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
We waited to find out the gender of this baby, and when my midwife passed him through by legs, to see it was a boy (that makes 4!) was a shock because everyone thought this baby was a girl! Pulling him up to my chest was the best feeling in the world. It truly never gets old!
-
What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Realize that every baby, pregnancy and birth is unique and no two are the same. Have confidence in yourself and your body to do what it was made to do.
