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When did you realize you were really in labor?
Friday night at 7pm I realized my contractions were real, but they were not painful until Saturday after lunch. They became fast and hard at 3:40. Our son was born at 5:49, less than 40 minutes after arriving at the hospital.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I have done it naturally with the last two of three pregnancies. Facing the unknown details is the most challenging part. So being prepared with experience and knowledge the third time helped me feel ready to do it my way.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I read The Bradley Method, which prepared me to relax my body -- especially my jaw. And my husband and I took a private course with a certified friend, which gave us additional detailed knowledge to face birth.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How fast it went! He came within 40 minutes of arriving at hospital. My husband and I were seriously concerned we'd be delivering our own baby in the truck on the side of the road. The triage nurse was surprised at how stretchy my cervix was immediately before admitting me, and she told my midwife that she was thankful she didn't accidentally pop my water while checking me because it was so ready to burst. My midwife, after receiving my permission, didnbreaknmy water. Our son came out immediately. So fast!
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You can do it! Prepare yourself by asking for as many stories and experiences as possible to broaden perspective and prepare for the unknowns. Do what your body feels is best!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Keeping my jaw slack and moaning lowly, as well as standing and moving and wiggling my hips through contractions.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Standing with my left knee propped on the hospital bed.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Oh, God is so good -- JOY!!!! Instantaneous joy after nine months of waiting and discomfort and the pain of birth. Instant JOY!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
You can do it! Prepare yourself by asking for as many stories and experiences as possible to broaden perspective and prepare for the unknowns. Do what your body feels is best!
