-
When did you realize you were really in labor?
I realized I was in labor about 9 pm on December 18. I was having contractions that day that were more painful but they didn't become longer, stronger, or closer together until 9 pm.
-
What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging thing about going natural for me was actually waiting for the baby to come when she was ready and in God's timing. We went 9 days past her due date and it was hard to be patient.
-
26102111_10108515671073935_460738424_o
-
What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
The most helpful thing we did to prepare was to get as much information as we could about what to expect and to pray about how we wanted our birth to go. We took the mama natural birth course, watched documentaries and talked to friends who went natural so that we felt well prepared. It worked!
-
What surprised you about your birth?
How miraculous it was. I used a lot of the techniques I learned in the class to help cope with contractions and by the time we got to the hospital things were moving so fast I didn't even think about getting an epidural. I was mentally, physically, and spiritually present in my birth in the most beautiful way.
-
I was mentally, physically, and spiritually present in my birth in the most beautiful way.
-
What pain relief strategies worked best?
Horse lips! Laboring in bed was awful. Once I got up and started moving my hips while leaning over during contractions they were a lot easier to handle. I also used the shower and tub which helped a lot too.
-
What position did you end up delivering in?
I delivered in a tub.
-
How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It was incredible! I couldn't believe it was over and that I had done it. She was so wet and beautiful. It was a supernatural experience.
-
How did the Mama Natural Birth Class help you in your childbirth?
It helped me know what to expect. The birth videos helped a ton!!! I had never seen a childbirth before and I cried in terror when I watched the first one. As the course progressed, I still cried each time but it was because of the joy of seeing the baby born and the mothers response. The course and videos helped me prepare for the intensity of labor so I didn't constantly think something was going wrong.
