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When did you realize you were really in labor?
When I couldn't sleep through the night because of the contractions.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Not entirely knowing what to expect as a first-time mama and thinking I would follow my mother's labor patterns. I kept wondering if things were going to get stronger than I could handle or I would have hours more to go when I started getting tired---luckily he came pretty quick! I assumed I would be like my mom and my water would break during my labor early on and that I would also see the "bloody show". I never saw the bloody show and my water didn't break until I was ready to push.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Taking birthing classes and having a doula. My husband and I can't thank our doula enough (she was worth her weight in gold)! Since this was our first experience she really helped walk us through the process. I felt so safe and she helped get my labor moving quickly with a two-hour walk! I was not expecting this but I am so grateful because it really helped speed up the whole process.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How relieving it felt to push! To be honest one of my biggest fears was tearing so I thought I would dread this stage. When I felt the urge to push it felt good and I liked it because there was an element of control with pushing my baby out. With labor I had to release all control and let my body do its thing.
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It felt surreal...like a dream. I couldn't believe how much love I felt for my son who I had never met before! All I could say over and over again was how precious he was and of course I cried.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Warm water was my best friend! Although I ended up delivering at a birth center I labored mainly at a friend's home who had a hot tub and that worked wonders and also taking a warm shower!!! I also loved standing/semi-squatting and swaying my hips when contractions would come. Closing my eyes and moaning also really helped release some of that energy when the urge came.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I birthed him in a squatting position with a squat bar on the birth center bed and I barely tore so I didn't need any stitches :)
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It felt surreal...like a dream. I couldn't believe how much love I felt for my son who I had never met before! All I could say over and over again was how precious he was and of course I cried.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
. Stay at home as long as possible---my OB/GYN who delivered my baby told me that the best way to avoid the cascade of interventions is to not be at the hospital/birth center until towards the end of my labor.
. Meditation and Affirmations: This helped me work on my worry-wart mind and stay calm.
. Hire a doula: Especially if you are first-time mama I would HIGHLY recommend getting one!
. Exercise and eat healthy: I did yoga 1-2xs a week and tried to walk for an hour most days and this helped keep my stamina up during labor! Nutrition is also very important--eat real food.
. Attend birthing classes: I went to three different sets of classes (overkill I know---but for me I really felt that the more knowledge and familiarity I had with labor and birth the more comfortable I would be).
.Read/Podcasts: Knowledge is power. I really loved the books Active Birth by Janet Balaskas, Hynobirthing and the Bradley Method. I also highly recommend Ina May Gaskin books---her books really helped me see how birth is really a natural process and not something to be feared. I loved listening to the Birth, Baby, and Life Podcast by Kristen Burgess
. Seek out mama's who had positive birthing experiences and ask how they did it.
