-
When did you realize you were really in labor?
I had been having semi-regular lower back cramps for over an hour. They didn't seem to go away, regardless of my position. That seemed to me a clue they were actual contractions.
-
What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging thing about going natural was the pain. It hurt more than I expected, and more than I thought I could bear. But I made it through each contraction!
-
What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
The most helpful thing I did to prepare for childbirth was read up. I read every Mama Natural update, took her class, had two daily apps, and read multiple books on breathing and childbirth.
-
What surprised you about your birth?
How early I went into labor! I went into labor ten days before my due date. Everyone was sure I would go at least a week late. The other surprise was we ended up doing it alone! My contractions never were longer than 40 seconds, or closer than 1:40 apart, so the midwife (an hour away) didn't leave her house until the baby was crowning! She talked my husband through how to deliver a baby on speakerphone.
-
The Mama Natural course was very helpful. It clarified the stages of labor. It encouraged following my body, allowing it to do what it was designed to.... give birth.
-
What pain relief strategies worked best?
I spent a lot of my labor sitting in my tub with the shower on. Most important for pain relief was that sitting position, and the running water. Having my husband apply counter pressure on my low back was helpful too.
-
What position did you end up delivering in?
I ended up delivering sitting on my bathroom floor, legs pulled up, and leaning against my bathtub.
-
How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
I was in shock. She came very quickly (7 hours total labor, and less than 30 minutes of pushing). I couldn't believe she was a girl. I was also concerned that everything is ok because the midwife hadn't come yet! Thankfully she started crying right away and turned red. There were no cord issues, and everything went smoothly.
-
How did the Mama Natural Birth Class help you in your childbirth?
The Mama Natural course was very helpful. It clarified the stages of labor. It encouraged following my body, allowing it to do what it was designed to.... give birth. That was particularly helpful since the midwife didn't arrive until after my daughter had been born! I also appreciated the guidelines on vocalizations-- I yelled through all my contractions, trying to stay low. I yelled so much I almost lost my voice!