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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I was brushing my teeth, around 11pm, and I thought my water broke. Contractions had been going on and off for days so I wasn't totally sure if this was labor but, my husband and I got the other kids up and out the door to a friends house and we headed to the hospital. In triage, about 1:30am, they confirmed I was having regular contractions, checked my fluids and that I was already dilated to a 6!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
When contractions were right on top of one another and I had no break I felt the most desperate for relief/encouragement and for my baby girl to come! Since this wasn't my first time having a natural labor I have been able to help myself more each time and improve on my coping skills but each time there's a desperation. I've felt trapped in labor and but have gotten better each time at reminding myself that I was created to do give birth and this baby is the reward at the end!
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
My confidence was boosted by reading scripture and seeing others lean on the Lord in their weakness, praying, talking about my fears and reading birth stories (specifically, Ina May Gaskin's Guide to Childbirth) and how others dealt with their labors all encouraged me and gave me confidence to go into labor.
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What surprised you about your birth?
Since this was my third birth it was a surprise and encouragement that I felt more confident in my body to do its job well! I was also surprised by the speed of this labor, my last one was eight hours and this one was four!
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Your body instinctively knows what to do in labor and you can follow its lead knowing you were created able to give birth to this baby. Let yourself be free to experience labor in whatever way works best for you - go primal (make whatever low noises you need and get into a position that helps you), sing, sway, laugh, cry... do what feels right in that moment and know that each contraction is one more you never have to do again and you're one contraction closer to meeting your baby!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Having my husband put pressure on my lower back and feeling the freedom to be vocal.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Hands and knees position
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It's hard to put words to these feelings but I would say exhilarated, relieved and worshipful!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
I would encourage other mama's to go into labor with confidence in your body. Your body instinctively knows what to do in labor and you can follow its lead knowing you were created able to give birth to this baby. I would also say to let yourself be free to experience labor in whatever way works best for you - go primal (make whatever low noises you need and get into a position that helps you), sing, sway, laugh, cry... do what feels right in that moment and know that each contraction is one more you never have to do again and you're one contraction closer to meeting your baby!
