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When did you realize you were really in labor?
At 41 weeks I had no signs of labor and cervix was completely closed. Due to health concerns with the baby my doctor and I had decided to induce at 41 weeks. The plan was to do 24 hours (2 doses) of Cervidil, and then do pitocin. My first dose of cervidil was inserted at midnight. At 2:40 am I woke up with intense contractions 2 minutes apart and was dilated to 3! It then hit me that I was going to get to meet our baby sooner than we all thought! My doctor removed the cervidil and let my body labor on its own from there, I had my sweet daughter in my arms by 1:00 pm. I was so relieved that my body took over on its own and I did not need pitocin after all!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The biggest challenge for me was deciding to go forward with an induction when I had hoped for a non-medicated birth. I had eaten at least 6 dates a day since 36 weeks, drank plenty of red raspberry leaf tea, bounced on a birth ball and walked daily with no progress. I felt like my body was failing me with something that I hoped would come so natural.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Researching natural pain management techniques, eating dates starting at 36 weeks, drinking red raspberry leaf tea, and taking a childbirth class with my husband.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How quickly it all went! We prepared ourselves for what were told could be a very long induction and labor. It may have been coincidence, but I think the dates and other natural childbirth prep I had done prepared my body to take over once the Induction was started and resulted in a quick, uncomplicated birth.
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Prepare as much as you can during your pregnancy, but don't be disappointed if things don't go as planned! Trust your body and your baby!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
I did end up using some pain medication with my labor, but distraction , essential oils, and having my husband play Christian music played a huge part in my pain relief and to keep me going mentally/emotionally. also had an incredible labor and delivery nurse. She and my husband were wondering in encouraging me when I felt like I couldn't go anymore.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Laying on back.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It was unreal! She really is a miracle.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Prepare as much as you can during your pregnancy, but don't be disappointed if things don't go as planned! Trust your body and your baby!
