Sarah Persevered Through The Challenges of Her 1st Hospital Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I started having consistent Braxton Hicks contractions at 26wks so I was super nervous I wouldn't know when I was actually in labor. I got up from the couch the day before she was born around 3 p.m. and was hit with a really intense contraction. Rest, water, food, and the pain wasn't subsiding. Contractions were consistently 6-8 mins apart and got worse when I tried to lay down to rest. Hard not to get excited but a day before my midwife was going to pressure us to induce, I was so excited to have something happening.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

V was posterior and no one "diagnosed" it until I got stuck at 9cm. I had heard back labor was really awful but I hadn't anticipated not getting breaks between contractions. I was having loads of double peak contractions and lots of push-y pressure as she tried to turn. Also, about 7 hours in I started getting the shakes which I had never heard of and were one of the worst part. Constantly shaking/shivering made it pretty impossible to do the relaxing through contractions I had been practicing.

What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?

I believe natural birthing classes and knowing and fully understanding the reasons I wanted a natural childbirth, for myself and for my baby, were the driving forces in being dedicated enough to go through with it when the pain got tough.

What surprised you about your birth?

I was surprised by how little I turned to the natural pain coping mechanisms I had been prepping. I had playlists of different types of music, essential oils, tennis balls for counter pressure, etc. and the only thing I really used was the birthing ball and the tub (and even the tub was not comfortable when I was further into labor). I think I was surprised by how intense it all was and my way of coping was to dig down, keep my eyes shut, and push through.

If your gut tells you it isn't the right fit, switch providers, even if you are 30+ weeks, find someone who will listen and respect your will.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

The birthing tub felt great earlier on (4-6cm ish). The birthing ball and squatting helped with the pressure.

What position did you end up delivering in?

I ended up delivering in the purple push position but if I could do it over again, I would probably have kept pushing while squatting or on my side as those seemed the most intuitive/comfortable.

How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?

I was surprised by how detached I felt. V swallowed meconium so I only got to hold her for the few minutes it took for her cord to stop pulsing before she was taken away. I have had to mourn/come to terms with not having the beautiful, calm, baby-led bonding/nursing start that I had envisioned. I am hoping any future children we are blessed with are given a less chaotic journey earthside.

What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?

Do your research. Don't think you can just decide "I don't want any drugs" and then go into a hospital and do it. Hospitals aren't set up for or accustomed to intervention-free labor and delivery so you will need to be armed with conviction, evidence and support. Be up front with your care provider about your wishes from the start and find out how many of their births end up with interventions you don't want (induction, pain medicine, c-sections) and if your gut tells you it isn't the right fit, switch providers, even if you are 30+ weeks, find someone who will listen and respect your will.