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When did you realize you were really in labor?
My water broke at 3:45 am and contractions started slowly.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Everything was more known this time because it was my third birth (2nd natural). Getting through transition was still the most difficult part (because I knew how difficult it would be) but also because I knew it could be different than my last birth. I was able to moan through the intense pain and was in more in control of my body this time, but it was almost harder to mentally stay the course because it was longer than my 2nd birth. 12 hours vs. 1.5.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I have to say that going to my prenatal yoga classes/regular yoga classes 1-2x a week and also a small work out class once a week was the most helpful thing! It got me in such a great mental space to be aware of what my body can do and how much I could accomplish while pregnant, and that translated to the birthing process. I even had my work out instructor (and best friend) there at the birth and she coached me through transition!
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What surprised you about your birth?
That even though I was in intense pain, I was still able to be in control of how I handled each contraction. (Very different to my 2nd birth because it moved so quickly and I had never experienced contractions like that before and didn't know how to breathe through them).
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Have a friend or family member who knows you there to encourage you (along with your partner). The best thing about this birth was having my best friend there who knows me and was able to read me along with my partner to help out with ideas/positions/knew how I handled pain. I would also highly recommend the book mindful birthing and taking yoga classes!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Looking at birth memes during early labor to help mentally, and also sitting on the birthing ball during early labor. I ended up on all fours on the hospital bed leaning on the ball during transition. It provides just enough resistance but also some give to lean on when I was in pain.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On all fours! I transitioned and then just started pushing so there was no time to move! I caught my baby boy and then he landed on the bed! The nurses slid him through my legs so I could see him!
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Was pretty incredible but then I was in a lot of pain when they were stitching a small tear, so it was a little mixed emotions!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Have a friend or family member who knows you there to encourage you (along with your partner). The best thing about this birth was having my best friend there who knows me and was able to read me along with my partner to help out with ideas/positions/knew how I handled pain. I would also highly recommend the book mindful birthing and taking yoga classes!
