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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I knew pretty quickly that I was in labor. I labored in a hotel room for many hours before heading to the hospital since my hospital was 2 hours from my hometown.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I stalled at 6cm for 7 hours, so I ended up needing pitocin to help me continue dilating. The pitocin contractions were definitely the most challenging part to manage without medication.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
The most helpful thing I did was research VBAC friendly hospitals and hire my doula. My natural vba2c would not have been possible without those 2 things!
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What surprised you about your birth?
My strength surprised me most. Even after being totally exhausted, I managed to pull out strength I didn't know I had.
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You CAN do it! Trust your body, find a (truly) supportive provider, surround yourself with people that support your desires and take it one contraction at a time. You will feel like you can't do it at some point, but you can! And you will be elated once you do. It's worth it!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Leaning on my husband during contractions helped me tremendously.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I delivered on my back. That wasn't my original plan, but it ended up working out well!
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It was the most incredible feeling in the world! My natural delivery was long awaited for and it was surreal that it had actually happened.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
You CAN do it! Trust your body, find a (truly) supportive provider, surround yourself with people that support your desires and take it one contraction at a time. You will feel like you can't do it at some point, but you can! And you will be elated once you do. It's worth it!
