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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I was 41 weeks and 5 days and had a scheduled induction that they refused to push back any further.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I was scared of an induction because I thought "natural" was no longer an option.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I gave up thinking I could induce labor at home and just focused on prepping the cervix: primrose oil, dates (larabars), and red raspberry leaf tea were part of my daily routine at 37 weeks. I believe this helped my cervix thin completely before induction and gave me a "stretchy" cervix as my doctor kept saying.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I was induced but never had an IV and my baby girl was rarely monitored.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
During a contraction I would firmly hold my stomach and sway back and forth. For my constant back pain I found the bath to be the most relieving.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On my back, in the hospital bed, with my doctor and my husband bracing my legs.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Amazing! My husband delivered her and laid her on my stomach. She immediately began crying and found her thumb!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
If it comes down to an induction, ask about alternatives to cytotec and pitocin. I was given cervadil (a removable tab that helps prep the cervix) and then the foley bulb (helps get you to 3cm) and finally had my water broken at 7cm, but was never hooked to an IV and was allowed to freely move around during labor. No pitocin and no epidural and a very healthy 8lb girl!
