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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I choose to be induced, due to being overdue ( only by 2 days) and as a full time working nurse, part time graduate student, my plate was already too full. I found that being induced granted me more time at home with my newborn (and time on FMLA from work) before I had to leave my son to travel to campus for school.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The challenge came around 8 cm. I have had 2 medicated (epidural) vaginal deliveries in the past and I thought if this one went quickly I could save money (out of pocket was $400 -3 years ago just for my epidural) and have an unmediated birth. The challenge was not only enduring the physical pain but also mentally believing in myself that I could do it.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I am a labor and delivery nurse and in the past 8 years I have helped many women through labor and have seen countless births. To prepare myself I tried to read birth stories, remain physically active, and remind myself that I am strong and capable and when the time comes and I doubt myself to dig deep and continue to trust myself.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I was most surprised by how quickly the intensity and delivery happened. I went from feeling uncomfortable but able to breathe and focus through my contractions to unbearable pain and doubting everything I had worked so hard to get through. It was shortly after this intense pain and fear that I delivered my son. After it was over I was surprised at how difficult it was and at how I was able to accomplish it on my own.
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My advise as a labor and delivery nurse and as a mom to three beautiful babies would be: every birth is beautiful no matter what the outcome. Never feel discouraged or less than if you need to have a cesarean section for some reason or if you find that you need pain medications. Don't let anyone judge you, the end result is about having a healthy mom and baby!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
I spent a lot of time in the shower through the worst of the contractions. The birthing ball and swaying also helped.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Lithotomy
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
After experiencing 2 previous heartbreaking miscarriages, we were so anxious to finally hold our rainbow baby. Holding him felt surreal, as if he wasn't really there. It took hours for my mind to grasp the beauty of his arrival.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
My advise as a labor and delivery nurse and as a mom to three beautiful babies would be: every birth is beautiful no matter what the outcome. Never feel discouraged or less than if you need to have a cesarean section for some reason or if you find that you need pain medications. Don't let anyone judge you, the end result is about having a healthy mom and baby! With that being said, prepare for birth, take classes, be informed, know your options and what's important to you but don't let anything be written in stone. Be flexible and open minded as you cannot control every aspect of your labor and birth. Be fearless and remember you are strong and brace, don't doubt your ability to birth your baby.
