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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I started labor around 11 pm but I'd been having contractions every night about that time so I didn't think much of it. I slept on and off for a few hours and finally around 3 am realized these contractions weren't going away like they usually do. It was baby day!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
That's a hard question to answer. This was my 5th baby and I've never had an epidural so I don't have anything to compare with since I've always gone natural. Actually pushing the baby out is always the hardest part, but it goes very quickly!
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I read 2 books: Birthing from Within and The Gift of Giving Life. They both really helped me focus on how important this job of making and birthing babies is! I also did a lot of thinking and trying to create the image in my mind of how this birth would go.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How fast it was! I slept through most of the early labor, so by the time I got up and got ready for the day I was already close to transition. I was also surprised at how conscious I was. With my other births I got into a "zone" as I got close to delivering and there was a lot of chaos going on around me. This time I was at home and it was very peaceful and I didn't have to try so hard to focus on my body and what it was doing.
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Believe in yourself! I've had so many mothers say "I don't think I could do that" when I tell them my birth story. You are stronger than you think and you can do it! You have to read and you have to prepare, but it is so worth it.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Just keeping a positive outlook and reminding myself I've done this before and I can do it again! Also just focusing on one contraction at a time helped me not feel overwhelmed. Being in the bath helped a lot too. I was much more relaxed.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I was on my knees leaning over the side of the tub. I've delivered 4 out of my 5 babies on my knees.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It was beautiful! I've never felt the overwhelming euphoria many women describe after delivering, but I was able to sit and admire my precious baby and have a great sense of accomplishment because I did it! She was so warm and all covered in vernix but I didn't care. She was here and my pain was over. It was a beautiful moment.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Believe in yourself! I've had so many mothers say "I don't think I could do that" when I tell them my birth story. You are stronger than you think and you can do it! You have to read and you have to prepare, but it is so worth it.
