-
When did you realize you were really in labor?
I woke up around 3 am with cramps that felt like period mixed with having to use the restroom. They quickly turned into measurable contractions that I had to focus on relaxing and breathing through. Right off the bat they were 4-6 minutes apart, so by 5 I woke my husband and we got ready to head to the hospital.
-
What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Transition started as I was in the triage room at the hospital and I remember looking at my husband and begging to get into the tub. I had one specific contraction where I started to lose control, but he reminded me to breathe and relax and I was able to refocus. After that it quickly became time to push and they rushed me to my L&D room.
-
IMG_9387
-
What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Committing to myself that I was going natural, reading birth stories and having a close friend who is a doula to talk to.
-
What surprised you about your birth?
How fast it happened. Baby was OP, so I had days of small contractions and discomfort, but once active labor started it went very quickly. We got to the hospital around 6:15 and she was born at 6:58. I had planned a water birth, but by the time we were headed to our room and the tub was filled, my body was already pushing and I didn't want to move from the bed. My water broke as I started pushing and she came a few minutes later! It all happened very fast and though it was very intense, I liked how I could feel my body working to get her out. I can remember the midwife and my husband laughing because she came out looking around with a serious expression on her face. I was also surprised at her size. She was a full pound and a half heavier than my first, which surprised me because I was consistently measuring a little small at my midwife visits.
-
Amazing and also instant pain relief. I was excited to finally meet her and excited that I did it!
-
What pain relief strategies worked best?
I focused on making sure my hands and face were relaxed and breathing. Also making low oooooh sounds during contractions. I knew if my hands or face were tense or I held my breath, that my body would tense up and make the contractions worse.
-
What position did you end up delivering in?
On my back holding my legs
-
How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Amazing and also instant pain relief. I was excited to finally meet her and excited that I did it!
-
What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Read birth stories, get as much knowledge about birth that you can so that you know what your body is doing. Find a supportive provider that works with a hospital that supports natural birth.
