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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I was working in baby's room after putting my first born daughter to bed and falling asleep for a bit with her. I started working on applying wall decals in baby's room around 10pm and started feeling contractions around 11pm.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
My baby was posterior, so my Labor and contractions stalled around 10 hours into the process. At this point being patient was the most difficult thing because I was ready to have baby in my arms!
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
My doula who I worked with during my first pregnancy was my rock during both deliveries! She is that calm energy I can turn to and always encourages me to listen to my body. Remaining calm and confident in my abilities throughout the pregnancy, labor and birth are so important!
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What surprised you about your birth?
I was surprised with another girl! We did not know the gender for either of our children. My second pregnancy was so different from my first I was expecting a boy, although I'm delighted with our healthy baby girl!
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Make up your mind and focus on that decision. If you really want to go natural, there won't be a question in your mind throughout the process!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Because my baby was full posterior, I labored a lot on hands and knees, standing, sitting on a balance ball, and dancing! My doula applied a lot of pressure to my low back during my contractions. Going to my "happy mental place" is my biggest strategy for pain. Thankfully my contractions for both my first and second babies are intense, but short lived (around 30 seconds in duration) so my will power gets me through it.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I was lying on my right side in the bed with my left leg elevated on a bar that was above the bed. I had right hip/sacral issues throughout my pregnancy so I never thought I'd deliver on my right side, but my doula was right in her suggestion!
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Amazing! There was a period of some scary heart tones with baby and they were suggesting the vacuum if I couldn't get baby out in one final push. So I gave it my all and was more than relieved when baby was on my chest! I didn't even ask the gender because I was so relieved to be holding a healthy baby!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Make up your mind and focus on that decision. If you really want to go natural, there won't be a question in your mind throughout the process! I never questioned or wondered about any interventions, because I knew what I needed my body to do. It all starts in your mind...and you'll be amazed at the strength and determination you will find within if natural is your goal. You can do it with a supportive team and your mind and physical abilities!
