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When did you realize you were really in labor?
3:30 a.m. When I was woken up with consistent, light contractions.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Giving myself space, time, peace to listen to my body amongst incredible fear of facing a VBAC.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Finding peace in the week leading up to due date via steam room stretching at YMCA, swimming regularly, chiropractor twice a week to keep my hips in line/open...
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What surprised you about your birth?
That a baby actually came out of my vagina! For real. I was shocked when my water broke at home. Shocked when I was pushing. Shocked and overcome with joy that I successfully VBAC'd.
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And knowing each contraction would come... and go... bringing me closer to the end. : )
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Being on my hands and knees during each contraction and breathing deep... letting myself open up and making whatever sounds I wanted to make.
I used a method I used back in the day during track meets and swim meets... I used to get so nervous about competing and found that I clenched my fists... forcing my hands open. Palms up... forcing my fingers to relax forced the rest of my body to relax/open up. And knowing each contraction would come... and go... bringing me closer to the end. : )
Also, I allowed myself an epidural when I was 8 cm... it enabled me to be fully present and literally laughing as he came out. My body was relaxed. I had endured about 15 hours of labor... and once the pain subsided, I was completely at peace and still filled with an amazing sense of accomplishment. It was absolutely beautiful. My husband and I literally had a blast together once the epidural kicked in. An hour later we were holding our son.
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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?
Unbelievable. Surreal.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Know your body can handle it. But speaking from experience, know that an epidural can provide your body a peace that allows you to be fully present when the birth happens. I labored as long as possible naturally and am thankful I did. I'm also thankful I was numb when four hands were in me unlodging my son's shoulders with that last push.
