-
When did you realize you were really in labor?
My contractions started happening more regularly. Not super consistent but every 2-4 minutes if I was active and every 12-14 minutes if I was laying down.
-
What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Kept my confidence that I didn’t need any pain relief intervention towards the end when my contractions were at their worst. If a 14-year-old virgin could handle it in a barn, I could handle it at a birth center.
-
434221DD-FBDC-461F-9DED-14B897E33153
-
What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I researched a lot about childbirth & how to breathe through contractions. I also read a lot of unmedicated birth stories & prayed a lot for strength & confidence which helped a lot too.
-
What surprised you about your birth?
With my first, my water broke which put me into labor. This time I started contracting first and I asked them to break my water at 9 or 10 cm to hopefully speed up the process. I also was surprised how naturally my body pushed the baby out and I didn’t have to put much effort in. With my first, pushing was the hardest part (I was at the hospital & had an epidural so I had to push on my back) but this time pushing was the easiest part (I pushed on all fours which felt more natural and made a huge difference).
-
Do your research, pray a lot, & believe that God made your body to have this baby & you have the strength to do it without medical interventions.
-
What pain relief strategies worked best?
Warm bath/shower & my husband pushed on different parts of my back depending on where the pain was coming from.
-
How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Magical & unreal.
-
What did you name your baby, and why?
Ezekiel. We wanted a biblical name that you don’t hear much.
-
What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Do your research, pray a lot, & believe that God made your body to have this baby & you have the strength to do it without medical interventions.
