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When did you realize you were really in labor?
My waters broke at 11 pm and after half an hour I had a couple of mild contractions 5 minutes apart. These very quickly became much more intense and I had to really focus and breathe through them.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The labour was 2 and a half hours in total so it was incredibly intense. I never got the gradual build-up of the contractions, they just became very intense and very close together incredibly quickly.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I did so much research into physiological birth and really worked on my mindset and visualising my ideal birth.
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What surprised you about your birth?
The speed at which it all occurred! My first was quick but I had been induced so I was never sure whether that was what made it so quick. This time it was only 2.5 hours from my waters breaking to the baby being born. Baby was also breech and no medical help arrived in time so I was surprised at how calm myself and my partner remained throughout.
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Do all the research you can to prepare yourself for what a physiological birth should be.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
I didn’t get time to use any pain relief strategies! I really focused on my breathing to get through the contractions. I also sat on the toilet quite a bit as my waters were leaking continuously so I think this helped me to relax my pelvic floor
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Incredible! Words can’t really describe it. After a tricky pregnancy with consultants advising hospitals and c-section, it just felt incredible that I had done it alone and my baby had arrived safely.
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What did you name your baby, and why?
We named her Evie with a middle name of Rose. My partner and I had struggled to agree on a name until the very end!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Do all the research you can to prepare yourself for what a physiological birth should be. Read other birth stories, watch birth videos and visualise your ideal birth. This was what really gave me the confidence that I could do it. Also, Practice relaxation and breathing techniques throughout pregnancy.
