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When did you realize you were really in labor?
At 11pm I began having constant cramps. Within 90 minutes they began lasting around 30 seconds with 5 minutes between.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The hardest part was the actual delivery. I had to focus my energy on pushing and trust that my body was strong enough to deliver my baby.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I read Ina May's book and several natural birth stories to mentally prepare for childbirth.
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What surprised you about your birth?
My baby started crying as soon as her head was out. I thought I was done pushing and was surprised when my midwife said to keep going!
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Your body was created to give birth, and to do it naturally. Educate yourself on current hospital practices and explore out of hospital birthing options. You have a choice!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Laboring in water was a lifesaver! It felt much better though it did slow my labor. Walking around also helped. We (husband, doula, and I) even played a game that involved naming the 80's TV theme song.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I gave birth on hands and knees on my bed. I was adamant that I would not birth in water to preserve my baby's microbiome. My first child was born on the toilet, and I did not want to repeat that. I had a hard time feeling like I was upright enough on the bed, so hands and knees it was!
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Incredible! The first thing I did was make sure they were correct about the gender. Ha!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Your body was created to give birth, and to do it naturally. Educate yourself on current hospital practices and explore out of hospital birthing options. You have a choice!
