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When did you realize you were really in labor?
When my contractions we're powerful enough to take all my focus.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Going natural was easy because of the support and care of my midwife team at the birthing center where I received my prenatal and postnatal care. I had decided early on in pregnancy that I wanted a natural childbirth. Even having to be emergency transported to hospital where I gave birth, I was able to keep my birth plan very similar to a birthing center, thankfully. I suppose the most challenging aspect was the fear of possible emergency cesarean when I was transported because of a Bandl's ring. Somewhat miraculously, it was resolved by the time we arrived at the hospital and I was able to give birth naturally with the exception of Pitocin to get my contractions regular.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Reading birth stories, researching and having a natural birth plan, and having a supportive spouse whom understood my birth plan.
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What surprised you about your birth?
What a relief pushing was! Once I stared to actually push my baby boy out, the pain of birthing him was nothing compared to the back to back contractions from the Bandl's ring I had during labor.
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Pure bliss! Like all of the happiest moments of my life combined into this one moment and like I had such purpose all of a sudden.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Sitting on a birthing ball and rocking my hips back and forth though the contractions. Also repeating a mantra was very helpful at times I felt out of control or scared. Mine was "I can do this! I am doing this!".
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On my back. I really wanted to try a hands and knees delivery to try to reduce tearing, but being on my back was more comfortable because I was so exhausted after a almost two day labor.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Pure bliss! Like all of the happiest moments of my life combined into this one moment and like I had such purpose all of a sudden.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Have a birth plan, set it in your mind! Meditate on it. Have the support of loved ones whom respect your natural birth wishes and hopes. Know that our bodies were made to do this and you are capable!
