-
When did you realize you were really in labor?
Looking back, my early labor started around 10:00 AM, and my baby boy was born that night at 1:50 AM. I was in labor denial the entire day! I kept distracting myself - I went from the chiropractor's, to my friend's house to visit her two week old, then a 3.5 mile walk. I honestly thought I really just had to go #2! I even sent my husband out to get prune juice at 6:00 PM to help "move things along!" I would say that I finally admitted that I was in labor around 10:00 PM when I was having regular contractions in the bath tub.
-
What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Going UNnatural was never really an option for me. My mother had me, and my three siblings, naturally, and I always had my mind up that I would do the same. During one particularly tough contraction I remember thinking, "I totally get why people get an epidural!" but after that thought passed, my labor progressed, and I was too focused to think about anything else. I had the benefit of staying home as long as possible before going to the hospital, because I knew as soon as I got the hospital I would be uncomfortable, so I think it would have been much more challenging to go natural if I wasn't home for the brunt of it!
-
unnamed
-
What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Take natural childbirth classes and hear other people's stories about how they did it naturally. My husband and I decided on the Bradley Method, and although it was a big time commitment, it was really worth it for us both to have somewhat of an idea of what we were getting into!
-
What surprised you about your birth?
It never followed a particular labor pattern... my contractions were all over the place! We kept waiting on the 4-1-1... which never happened.
-
You were made to do this! It is one day of your life... you can do anything for one day!
-
What pain relief strategies worked best?
My mom applying counter pressure on my lower back during every contraction helped SO much! I don't know what I would have done without that.
-
What position did you end up delivering in?
Hands and knees / child's pose
-
How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
I was in awe! He looked so scrunchy and angry and had the loudest cry I had ever heard!
-
What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
You were made to do this! It is one day of your life... you can do anything for one day!
