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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I was in early labor when admitted to the hospital at a -2. I was having contractions but I was able to breathe through them and they were not constant. On Tuesday shortly after noon they broke my water and I went straight into active labor. My contractions went from a 2/3 to a non stop 10.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging thing was avoiding interventions. It felt there was an intervention for everything... and they would all most likely lead to a c-section.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Taking the Mama Natural Birthing classes and hiring a doula were the best things I did to prepare. They both prepared me for what could happen and what my options actually were. Because of the classes and Jenn I had the confidence to tell my providers what I wanted and defend my decisions when necessary.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I was surprised at how fast it went. I was checked into the hospital for 24hrs before holding my sweet baby however only in active labor for just under 2hrs. I live almost an hour away from the hospital so my doctor was concerned with me going home on Monday. Monday night they wanted to break my water at 6pm when I was still only dilated 4cm. For some reason I was not comfortable with the thought at the time and felt like I would be rushed. My doctor came and checked on me in the morning before going into the office. I was still at 4cm & -2, after a night of waling, lunges, squats and every other exercise imaginable. At that point in the am I was pretty exhausted so when the doctor offered to come back at noon and see where I was at and possibly break my water then. He then broke my water just after 12:00 and my contractions took off. I went and took another hot shower, apparently I was in there for quite a while because my doula Jenn came to check on me just as the shower was no longer helping. After the shower I labored in every imaginable position, on the toilet, with the yoga ball, squatting, and at one point on the floor. Somewhere along the way I was in a squat and a nurse called for the doctor saying I was 7cm, all natural, and very pushy.... Basically I wanted to poop. They got me on the bed and put the holsters up so I had something to push against. The doctor showed up, I pushed for a little bit, and before I knew it I was holding my beautiful baby girl. I know the pain was intense, but with focusing on my breathing, keeping my eyes closed, and knowing that I would be holding my baby in just a few minutes, the pain didn't seem all that bad.
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The class helped me in every aspect of childbirth. It gave me confidence to know my options, why things were being offered, how to handle objections, and how to make informed decisions. It truly made me feel that I knew what was best for my baby and that I had the knowledge to back it up.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
At first the hot shower was key. Then I was over heated and couldn't get cool enough so my doula and friend started a system for ice cold towels. Jenn my doula used the ice towels as compression packs on my low back to help relieve back labor and cool me down.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I delivered on my back in the hospital bed pushing my feet against the holsters as if I were in a squat.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It was very surreal. The amount of love and protection I felt and still feel is unimaginable. I was proud of both of us for making it through such an amazing and challenging process. I wanted the moment to last forever and never let her go.
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How did the Mama Natural Birth Class help you in your childbirth?
The class helped me in every aspect of childbirth. It gave me confidence to know my options, why things were being offered, how to handle objections, and how to make informed decisions. It truly made me feel that I knew what was best for my baby and that I had the knowledge to back it up.
