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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I pretty much knew right away. I have pretty decent bladder control and the gush left puddles on my bedroom floor and bathroom floor and completely soaked through my underwear. It was clear and didn't have an odor like urine... it was also kinda pinkish. So off to he hospital we went.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I REALLY tried going natural. Unfortunately my labor stopped completely, no contractions in over an hour, and I ended up on pitocin for the rest of my labor.
I had such horrible back labor because my daughter was turned wrong that eventually... after 12 hours no pain meds, on pitocin... I had an epidural. I was disappointed that I couldn't go natural, but because of how much pain I was in my body kept tensing up to the point it was becoming difficult to get my daughter to turn.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I chose not to have a specific birth plan. I chose to try to go natural as long as possible, until either I had the baby, or something went wrong etc. Not having a plan and just wanting the outcome to be healthy baby, and healthy mom... freed me from feeling guilty about making the choice to take the epidural to help me relax so my daughter could turn.
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What surprised you about your birth?
Even though it was long (basically 24 hrs.) It felt fast. I think the thing that surprised me the most was how much I needed my husband there with me. Having him my rock and my support person to remind me to breathe and rock my hips etc.... definitely helped me go further naturally than I probably could on my own. Having a support person is important.
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It's not easy. Breathing is definitely key. Having a support person to help calm you, and talk you through it definitely helps you fight through the contractions. I might not have gone fully natural because of complications but I can respect those that do.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Rocking back and forth... and breathing for sure!
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On my back.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Relief. Joy. Exhaustion.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
It's not easy. Breathing is definitely key. Having a support person to help calm you, and talk you through it definitely helps you fight through the contractions. I might not have gone fully natural because of complications but I can respect those that do.
