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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I had no idea I was really in labor until I got to the hospital and the nurse told me I was 7 cm dilated! I had been in false labor for weeks with no dilation at all. I was at the hospital to be induced as I was 40 weeks, had not dilated at all 4 days prior, and I was measuring really big. Thank goodness that when I got to the hospital, my baby boy was ready to come on out and no induction was necessary!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I had absolutely no pain medicine or epidural, but I gave birth in a hospital. The most challenging thing about a hospital birth is the IV (I hate needles, lol), and it is the fact that the doctors and nurses try to make you lay on your back near the end of your labor. Because I knew my baby was huge (he ended up being over 9 lbs) and because I had been online looking at the best labor positions, I insisted that I be able to squat during labor. To my surprise, the hospital actually had rails that attached to the bed that helped me to squat on the bed. It was only when I started squatting that we saw progression with the pushing phase of my labor. We were getting nowhere while I was pushing lying down- he was just too big to be pushed out at that angle. I definitely needed gravity to help me out! If you are doing a hospital birth, don't be afraid to insist on other positions as you push! Do what feels right.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
The most helpful thing I did to prepare for my natural childbirth was to read other positive birthing stories and to constantly remind myself that my body is made to give birth without medical intervention. My husband helped out greatly by reminding me of the same, especially during the actual pushing phase of the birth.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I was surprised when the doctor told me the weight of my son - 9lb 2 oz! I still can't believe I gave birth 100% naturally to such a big boy! Our bodies are AMAZING, ladies! We are Super Women! Let no one tell you any different!
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Breathe deeply. You can do this. We have been doing this for centuries without medicine. There's no reason AT ALL to stop birthing without medicine. Go for it!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Breathing deeply and not focusing on the surges (it helps to use a word other than "pain") really helped with relief.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I squatted as I pushed, but at the very end of my pushing, I had to lay back a little on the bed, as the doctor preferred that position to be able to see the baby more clearly.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It was a huge relief to finally hold my 9lb 2oz baby boy that I had carried for so long and had labored to bring into the world! I still remember that first skin to skin contact with him as he latched on to breastfeed. Miraculous!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Breathe deeply. You can do this. We have been doing this for centuries without medicine. There's no reason AT ALL to stop birthing without medicine. Go for it!
