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When did you realize you were really in labor?
9am at breakfast I started feeling contractions but wasn't sure until about 10/1030 if it was labor.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Being my second birth the most challenging part about going natural was knowing and remembering the amount of work and intensity I was going to go through again and being ok with it. Also, knowing how awful the ring of fire is but that's the only way out.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Reading Ina May's guide to childbirth, watching natural child birth videos and just studying as much as possible. So I could know the phases and remind myself how I need to relax. It helps take the fear away, knowing what's going to happen.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How easy it was! The contractions didn't get super intense and over powering until the last 45 minutes and then his head popped out unexpectedly while I was pushing!
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Read, read, read. Know about the process as much as possible. Knowledge is power. Also, try to enjoy it and have fun.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
I didn't have a ton of pain until the last 45 minutes but I was in the tub and that helped. Also, having a specific Bible verse for labor helped to focus on that.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
In the water squatting for his head and then laid back against my husband for my son's body.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Its so surreal. They're so slimy and fragile and precious.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Read, read, read. Know about the process as much as possible. Knowledge is power. Also, try to enjoy it and have fun. That seems silly but having a good time between contractions puts you in a good mindset to deal with contractions as they come!
