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When did you realize you were really in labor?
My water broke! My third baby and the first time it ever happened. Since we had a bit of a drive, we decided to go straight to the hospital. Contractions started once I got there and 2.5 hrs after getting there baby was in my arms.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Knowing that I just had to cope with the sensations, discomfort and yes, pain. Also being in the hospital for the first time, it was difficult going through triage. Opting for a natural birth while waiting in triage when a hospital is beyond capacity is very hard.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I prepared myself mentally and spiritually by reading through this website, watching her videos, and listening to birth meditation/affirmation podcasts. Since a fetal diagnosis led me to switch to a natural hospital birth, I also benefitted from positive unmedicated hospital birth stories on here and on podcasts.
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What surprised you about your birth?
It was my first hospital birth and I was very surprised by how my birth intentions were followed without a single problem. Though I would have loved the comforts of home, I was respected and still had a physiologically “normal” and unmedicated childbirth that I can look back on with contentment.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Going on my knees and receiving counterpressure on my back helped. Also having my midwife hold me and affirm me helped my mindset during the birth.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
I immediately said, “oh you are so beautiful!” And everything else melted away! I also was thrilled to know he was a boy! We all hoped for him and it felt like our family was whole.
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What did you name your baby, and why?
Ezekiel. We chose a bilingual name and felt his name was strong and did not need a middle name.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
If you want natural childbirth in the hospital, ask around to see which hospitals have statistics of low interventions and low c-section rates. Also, use the birth plan sheet from here to have discussions with providers and make sure they are fully on board. I started being seen by hospital midwives at 35 weeks just about 3 weeks before my baby was born, it is never too late to switch!
