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When did you realize you were really in labor?
Unfortunately, I did not go into labor on my own. I was 40 weeks and 6 days. I went to the doctor for my normal appointment and a routine NST. During the test, there were dips in my baby girl's heart rate. Anytime before term, they would have just kept an eye on the situation and maybe ran more tests. However, because I was overdue, they said that my placenta may not have been working as well as it should. They sent me into the hospital to get pitocin. When I got there, I talked them into breaking my water first to give me my best chance at birthing naturally with no medication. I progressed enough to go without the pitocin, and followed my birth plan of going completely pain med free.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging part was the end when the pain was really strong. This was my first labor, so I did not know what to expect. It was hard to know how long I would be laboring. The unknown was really rough, but my husband was the BEST coach. He got me through one breath at a time.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
The most helpful thing to prepare for childbirth was acquiring all of the knowledge I possibly could. My husband and I took an unmedicated birth class, I read some books, researched online and talked to family and friends. However, another important part of doing my research was sticking with positive birth stories. I wanted to keep everything as uplifting as possible.
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What surprised you about your birth?
During labor, I was surprised at how fast it actually went. Taking each contraction as it came, helped make labor go as swiftly as possible. Before I knew it, it was time to push.
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For other mamas that want to go natural, I would say YOU CAN DO IT. Stick to your plan as much as possible. If you are birthing in a hospital, make sure you stick up for yourself and stay involved in every decision. This is YOUR birth. Take every contraction singularly as it comes. Breathe. The pain has a purpose, and that is bringing your baby closer to you.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Movement worked best for me in terms of pain management. I took walks, bounced on the birth ball, swayed over the back of my bed, etc... Another thing that helped me was counter-pressure massaging from my husband. He helped press on my hips, and that helped my back labor pain tremendously.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I was on my back when I started to push. My husband and the nurse held my legs as I curled around my baby to push her out.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
I was overwhelmed when the doctor put my daughter on my chest. It was such an indescribable feeling. I was overjoyed, relieved, exhausted... but mostly, I just felt so much love for this little human.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
For other mamas that want to go natural, I would say YOU CAN DO IT. Stick to your plan as much as possible. If you are birthing in a hospital, make sure you stick up for yourself and stay involved in every decision. This is YOUR birth. Take every contraction singularly as it comes. Breathe. The pain has a purpose, and that is bringing your baby closer to you.
