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When did you realize you were really in labor?
After sporadic contractions overnight and in the morning, I took a warm bath to see if they would go away. When I got out of the bath the contractions were stronger and closer together. That's when I knew I should call my doula to come over.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
My first birth was an induction with an epidural right before transition. Going natural actually felt easier because the contractions were more manageable and I was free to move around. Much less challenging than a highly medical birth!
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I listened to pregnancy and birth podcasts, took walks daily, and read articles from Evidence Based Birth and Mama Natural, of course!
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What surprised you about your birth?
How easy and quick it was once I trusted myself, my instincts, and surrendered to the process. Oh, and also how big my baby girl was at 9 lbs 10 ounces!
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Trust yourself, your body, and your baby. Lean in to the process instead of fighting against it. Know that you can do it.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Sitting on my yoga ball helped so much! I had back labor, and my doula and husband took turns pressing into my lower back during contractions.
During pushing I started saying "No, no, no!" and caught myself, then started saying "Yes, yes, yes!" and that perspective shift gave me strength.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I delivered her head on my knees, leaning over the edge of the birth tub. At my midwifes suggestion, I put one knee up to deliver her body.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
I caught my baby and pulled her out of the water and up to my chest. I was completely in awe of my baby and my body.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Trust yourself, your body, and your baby. Lean in to the process instead of fighting against it. Know that you can do it.
