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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I had been having false contractions off and on for about a week or so before I actually went into labor. On the morning of the birth, I woke up around 6:30 with contractions again, but had a feeling that these were different. I remembered what my midwife had said about knowing if they are real if they continue for longer than an hour after moving or switching positions. I was working from home, so I got up, took a shower, made breakfast and started work. I gave my husband a heads up before he left for work so that he would keep his phone handy. I worked for a couple of hours, and the contractions were still coming. Around 9 AM I called my midwife and talked through what was happening and she agreed that she thought it was the real deal. I called my husband and told him to think about coming soon and kept working until I got uncomfortable.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging thing about going natural was the unknown. As a first time mom, I didn't know what to expect, and I didn't know if I was strong enough to power through. You can read all the books you want, do your own research on the subject, and talk to as many people as you wish, but everyone is different and nobody can prepare you for what your birth will be like.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I read books on natural childbirth, and my husband and I did the Mama Natural Birth Course. At 28 weeks my midwife had me start eating 6 dates a day, and at 36 weeks I started drinking red raspberry leaf tea.
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What surprised you about your birth?
What surprised me about our birth was how surreal it really was. I was there (obviously) but I was also somewhere deep inside myself, seemingly unaware of what was happening around me. Our bodies are made for this, and we truly have everything we need to create, carry and birth a healthy child naturally.
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The Mama Natural Birth Class helped us prepare for our natural childbirth, reviewed all of our options, and convinced us that we were making the right choice.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
The birthing tub helped relax me during the intense contractions. Having the freedom to move about as I pleased and switch positions as needed provided some relief. The coaching from my midwife helped get me through each one, even when I didn't think I could. My active labor lasted about 4 hours, I was only allowed to be in the tub for 2 hours, and by the time my body started pushing, it was time to get out. Thankfully I only needed to push for an hour and a half.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Holding my baby for the first time was amazing. I was truly in awe of how perfect she was and what a blessing the entire experience was.
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What did you name your baby, and why?
We named our baby girl Madeline.
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How did the Mama Natural Birth Class help you in your childbirth?
The Mama Natural Birth Course helped us prepare for our natural childbirth, reviewed all of our options, and convinced us that we were making the right choice.
