-
When did you realize you were really in labor?
I realized I was in labor when I was no longer able to track my contractions, because I was unable to focus on the time. My contractions seemed to start out pretty irregular so I decided to track them to see if maybe there was a consistent pattern. I called my husband within 30 minutes telling him to come home.
-
What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The unknown, my labor came on very strong and very fast, I thought I was still in early labor, when in reality I was in active labor. I thought we were going to get to the hospital and I was only going to be dilated to 2 cm. When we got to the hospital I was already dilated to 7cm and my doula said I was in transition. I knew then that I could do it.
-
IMG_2380
-
What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Prepare yourself both mentally and physically. I stayed very active throughout my pregnancy with swimming and yoga. I saw a chiropractor the last 8 weeks who was certified in the Webster technique. I followed the Brewer's diet and also drank red raspberry leaf tea everyday throughout my pregnancy and ate 6 dates a day after 36 weeks. I also prepared myself mentally with meditations and birth affirmations. Positive thinking and avoiding listening to negative stories of labor (people love to tell horror stories) put me in the mindset that I was made for this and I wanted nothing more than my baby to be born this way.
-
What surprised you about your birth?
How fast it went and how good it felt to push! When it came time to push I was relieved that it felt so natural and welcome. Your instinct and body truly take over, your body knows exactly what to do without any coaching or help. It is an amazing experience and worth every effort you put towards it before and during!
-
Prepare yourself mentally and physically! Stay positive and don't listen to negative stories, your body was made for this and you absolutely can do this and it will be worth it!
-
What pain relief strategies worked best?
Water! I labored at home in the bath tub and again at the hospital when I was going through transition. The water calmed me and being able to move freely in the water helped cope with the contractions. I also used essential oils that my doula rubbed on my ankles and that really helped with calming me and all the nurses said it smelled so great!
-
What position did you end up delivering in?
I started pushing on all fours, moved to side-lying and finally delivered on my back. I pushed for 40 minutes.
-
How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Indescribable. When the midwife said "grab your baby" and I pulled Remy up to my chest it was the greatest moment of my life. Being fully present and having this sense of accomplishment and love that overwhelmed any emotion I've ever had before. I'm so thankful for this experience and I hope more women seek out natural birth and trusting their body and their instinct, it is so worth it!
-
What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Prepare yourself mentally and physically! Stay positive and don't listen to negative stories, your body was made for this and you absolutely can do this and it will be worth it!
