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When did you realize you were really in labor?
My water broke at 12:30am. I got out of bed to go to the bathroom (again!), and realized that there was a lot more liquid that usual. It took me a minute to wake up enough to realize my water had broken! My contractions started about 45 minutes later.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The challenge of a natural birth was more mental than physical for me. It's easy to let the exhaustion and pain get to you and make you think that you can't keep going; you can!
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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 childbirth was remembering to show myself grace; I wanted a natural birth and was willing to work hard to achieve that, but I also told myself that the most important thing was to keep baby and myself healthy, and it was going to be ok if interventions were necessary to do that. I also decided in advance to not allow myself to say at any point during labor, "I can't do this." I also asked my husband to hold me to that. This forced me to stay positive and helped so much in overcoming the mental challenge of labor and birth.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I was surprised at what the pain was actually like; I felt it in my upper thighs rather than my abdomen. I was also surprised that although pushing was painful, it was easier for me to handle than contractions. I think this is because I knew pushing meant my baby was almost here!
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Be kind to yourself! Remember that it may be a greater mental challenge than physical, and stay positive. Ask your support person to keep you accountable to staying positive and focused, and remember that even if your birth does not go as planned or as you would have chosen, you are a strong and wonderful mama already.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Focusing on my breathing during each contraction was extremely helpful. I also changed positions often. The tub with warm water felt wonderful, and also helped my labor to progress more quickly. Because I was experiencing round ligament pain and the pain was focused in my legs, laying on my side for short periods of time, where I could stretch my legs more, was helpful.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On my back, with knees up.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It was amazing! There was an instant change from intense pain to intense relief and joy. I couldn't believe that she was here.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Be kind to yourself! Remember that it may be a greater mental challenge than physical, and stay positive. Ask your support person to keep you accountable to staying positive and focused, and remember that even if your birth does not go as planned or as you would have chosen, you are a strong and wonderful mama already.
