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When did you realize you were really in labor?
My first contraction woke me up at 4:10 am. I went to the bathroom a couple times, nursed my son back to sleep, bounced on the birthing ball. They increasingly got stronger so I knew they weren't Braxton Hicks. Within an hour of waking I had to stop talking and breathe through them so I knew things were progressing.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Remembering to stay relaxed and breathe. I kept reminding myself to relax my jaw because a relaxed jaw is a relaxed pelvic floor. Thankfully I had a great birth team to remind me!
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
This was my third birth but with my second I took a Birthing As Nature Intended (BANI) class. I reviewed all the material, re-read the book, and practiced my relaxation exercises. I also hired a doula and had a great midwife so I was relaxed knowing I was in good hands.
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What surprised you about your birth?
Nothing really. This was my second HBAC with the same midwife so we pretty much knew the drill. Things flowed beautifully and thankfully we had no complications.
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Research, research, research! Research all your options: place of birth, birthing classes, providers, etc.! There are so many different out of hospital birthing classes out there that can really give you the confidence to achieve the birth you desire.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
For the first hour or so, I would stand and sway my hips from side to side. As the contractions intensified my doula would apply counter pressure to my hips as I continued swaying. When I was too weak to stand any longer I layed down on the bed on my left side with a peanut ball in between my legs. During contractions someone from my birth team would apply counter pressure/push up on my femur near my tailbone. It was amazing how much it helped relieve the pain! I also squeezed my husband's hand and at times told him to squeeze mine which surprisingly helped!
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Side lying with the peanut ball between my legs.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
I felt a huge sense of accomplishment. My first birth was a non-emergency c-section due to un-necessary hospital interventions and for years I felt like my body was broken; I felt betrayed by the hospital system. Even though this was my second HBAC it was affirming to me that, with a team of people I trusted and in a place I felt safe and relaxed, my body truly knew how to birth a baby.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Research, research, research! Research all your options: place of birth, birthing classes, providers, etc.! There are so many different out of hospital birthing classes out there that can really give you the confidence to achieve the birth you desire. Also, even though it's an extra cost that's usually out of pocket, look into hiring a doula. In my area they offer payment plans (and will even barter and trade goods/services) which can make it attainable for almost anyone.
