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When did you realize you were really in labor?
It was six days past my due date and my doctor induced me at 8:45 a.m. by breaking my water. This was my third pregnancy and third big baby. I've been blessed to be able to have natural hospital births and was putting off an induction as long as possible. Because I am less than 5 feet tall and because the doctor suspected a 10lb. baby, I reluctantly agreed to an induction by breaking my water.
I began feeling contractions within a half hour, and baby boy was born five hours after that. He weighed 9lb. 15oz. and the entire experience was positive and (mostly) peaceful. The doctor and nurses were very encouraging and worked with me to help me achieve another natural hospital birth.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Because this was my third pregnancy, I knew what was coming, and was nervous about pushing. My last labor lasted less than three hours and all took place in the middle of the night. I was also worried about another fast and painful trip to the hospital.
My husband was very encouraging and talked me through the more painful contractions. To my surprise, it only took two minutes to push my baby out. Right before he was born, I made up my mind to just press through the pain and give it my all.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Reading birth stories on Mama Natural was very helpful in the weeks leading up to my labor and delivery. I read every single story that was published during that time and tried to focus on all of the positive experiences that come with a new baby.
I often pictured myself holding my baby and used that image to keep me going through the last trying weeks of pregnancy.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I was surprised at how quickly he was born once I began pushing, and that he was indeed nearly 10lb! Although I was discouraged that my body wouldn't go into labor on it's own this time, the entire labor and delivery ended up as a very positive experience. It brought my husband and I closer together, and I was so relieved to finally hold my sweet boy.
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Find people who support your decision and have encouraging and positive stories about birth to share with you.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
I used the birthing ball during the first part of labor. Once the contractions became very painful, I stood and leaned against my husband while swaying side to side. In the past, I labored in the hospital bed. I was surprised to learn that standing made my contractions much more bearable. My husband also massaged my back and reminded me to breathe through the contractions. Sitting on the edge of a chair and rocking side to side also helped during transition.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On my back in the hospital bed.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
I was so relieved that he was finally here and cried when the doctor put him on my chest. He wanted to nurse immediately, which was a first for me. The nurses and lactation consultant were very supportive and helpful during that first nursing session.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Find people who support your decision and have encouraging and positive stories about birth to share with you. Read as much about birth as possible, so that you feel informed and aware of what can and will happen during your birth.
Take each contraction at a time and focus on the wonderful arrival of your baby.
