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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I started feeling things tighten in a pattern about 8 pm without any pain, so I took a hot shower to see if they'd subside, then went to bed. When The shower didn't do anything, and I could no longer sleep through them by about 11:30 pm, I knew then this is probably labor!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Having no concept of what it would feel like. I knew it was possible to do it naturally based on so many stories I've read, but just being unaware of how I personally would cope.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I prepared mentally, and also got an amazing team around me. Read SO many mama natural birth stories, read Ina May's guide to childbirth, listened to birth affirmations, and studied hard about the labor and birth process so I would know what is happening to my body. I felt that if I understood the process, I would feel comfortable with what is happening and I would be able to let go and let my body birth the baby. It worked! I also found an amazing midwife team and a great hospital that supported my wishes for a natural birth, delayed cord clamping, birth positions, among other things. And my amazing husband, and our doula. I was blessed to have all the resources I did.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How FAST it seemed for my first labor and birth! I felt those pain-free contractions about 8 pm Wednesday and woke my husband at 3:30 am for his help to cope. By 5:00 am we headed to the hospital (it was an hour drive but felt like 10 minutes to me! I was zoned out) and arrived at the hospital by 6:15 am. Even though I had a few urges to push at the end of our drive I expected to be about 5-6 cm dilated and saw a long morning ahead of me, but I was already 9.5 cm dilated, and was complete before I left triage! Our little girl was born at 7:33 am. It surprised me how well I was able to handle contractions and relax though them. It was also surprising how pushing was the most intense and difficult part for me!
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If you're like me, having knowledge of the process will help immensely. Knowing what is happening and why allows you to relax and let your body and baby do the work they were designed to do. Prepare mentally, and also find a supportive team including a doula. You CAN do it!!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
I sat on the floor with my feet behind me leaning forward and just relaxed and moaned real low through the contractions. Even though I didn't have back labor, having my husband massage my back during contractions really helped me relax and feel supported. It also helped in understanding that contractions peaked in the middle, which made them feel shorter. I didn't have any time at the hospital to use any of the strategies I practiced! Also sitting on the birth ball at home didn't feel good at all. Just move how your body tells you.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Overwhelming, and my first thoughts were now what?! But was so thankful she was finally here with us. I was also so thrilled she was a girl!! We didn't find out her gender beforehand and it was so exciting to finally know.
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What did you name your baby, and why?
We named her Hazel June, only because we liked it!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
If you're like me, having knowledge of the process will help immensely. Knowing what is happening and why allows you to relax and let your body and baby do the work they were designed to do. Prepare mentally, and also find a supportive team including a doula. You CAN do it!!
