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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I had noticed that I had a contraction every time I woke up to use the bathroom throughout the night. I'd been having Braxton Hicks contractions for months so didn't think anything of it until I couldn't fall back asleep around 6:30 am.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging thing about this labor was just how quickly it went and that tends to make things more intense. I gave birth at home unassisted after just 2 hours of labor. My husband had already left for work earlier that day and wasn't able to make it home in time for the birth. Thankfully my sister arrived about five minutes before the birth and was able to get breakfast for my 2-year-old who was waiting in her crib. She and my pastor's wife (who arrive just minutes after the birth) were then able to help me upstairs to get into bed and relax with my new baby.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Trusting God. Praying for my birth and my baby. Researching all about natural physiological birth and trusting in God's design and plan. Also, being informed of the complications that can and do rarely occur during undisturbed birth to know what to do in said situations and when to transfer for additional assistance.
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What surprised you about your birth?
My water broke just before my daughter was born. With my first, the water breaking happened at the very beginning. It was different trying to guess if I was truly in labor or not (at first anyway. Contractions picked up very quickly!) without that sign. Also, I didn't have to push once. I ended up delivering in a semi-standing/squatting position over the toilet (I had labored going between the toilet and the shower), felt baby crown, placed my hand down to feel her head, and then she came out all on her own into my waiting hands to be immediately placed on my chest. Fetal ejection reflex is truly amazing.
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Completely exhilarating! Overcome with love, awe, and gratitude. I was on such a natural birth high
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Movement and water! I loved the feeling of leaning forward against the wall in the shower as the warm water hit the small of my back. Swaying my hips and having free movement was essential. I also felt a lot of comforts while squatting over the toilet.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Completely exhilarating! Overcome with love, awe, and gratitude. I was on such a natural birth high that my sister had to remind me to check if the baby was a boy or girl (we were waiting until birth to be surprised)!
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What did you name your baby, and why?
Eleanor Jane. Eleanor means "light" and Jane means "Yahweh is gracious/merciful." I also love traditional English or literature-inspired names.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Trust in God's design and plan. Learn everything you can about normal physiological birth and surround yourself with positive images, viewpoints, and stories about birth. Keep yourself healthy with organic whole nourishing foods and a balance between movement and rest.
