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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I had had contractions during the early hours of the morning on and off for a few days but would dissipate once I got out of bed. I knew today was the day when my contractions continued once I was up and about.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging thing about going natural was finding a comfortable position. I wanted to stand as I felt I had more room for my contractions to push my baby down but I was fatigued and wanted to be laying down or sitting. Another challenge was staying focused and remembering I can do this.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Praying to the Lord to help me have a fast and uncomplicated labor and delivery and strength to birth my baby as Mary birthed Jesus Christ. I also hired a doula who reassured me she would do everything to keep me focused. I also consumed 6 dates a day and drank red raspberry leaf tea as directed and believe that's what made my labor so short.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I am surprised at how incredibly fast it was! By the time we arrived at the hospital, checked into triage, moved into a labor suite it was passed 2:00pm. After laboring for a couple hours, my midwife checked me and I was between 4-5 cm dilated. Right after my check, I went to the restroom and my water broke. My midwife checked me again and I was completely dilated! (She said I dilated within 15 minutes! The fastest she'd ever seen.) I had my little girl at 4:57pm that same day.
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You can do it! Surround yourself with positive people and build your support team to help you through this journey.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Standing was the most comfortable position for me. I tried soaking in the hospital's tub but in order for my belly to be submerged, I had to be crouched over the edge of the tub on my knees and I felt restricted with my contractions as I didn't have room for my baby to move down. I loved laying down on my left side but my baby didn't like it and needed to move to my right side but that cramped my left side but I ended up birthing in this position.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I delivered my baby laying down on my right side.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Am incredible surge of relief and accomplishment washed over me as I held her. It was euphoric.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
You can do it! Surround yourself with positive people and build your support team to help you through this journey. I knew from the beginning I would need plenty of reassurance and hand holding (figuratively) to get me to my goal during the labor process. That's why I hired a doula. I knew my husband would be physical with me and hold my hand(literally) through it all but he's not very vocal and that's ok but I needed to have someone there to tell me what I needed to do, calm my breathing, and say encouraging things. It was a great combination between the two.
