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When did you realize you were really in labor?
This pregnancy was very different than my first. I had a precipitous labor (2 hrs, 23 mins) with my first son at 39 weeks, 1 day. This pregnancy resulted in many contractions nearing baby's due date and past it that resulted in nothing. Luckily, as my due date came and went, my midwife continued to support me and allow my body to just wait. After a normal stress test the day of the eclipse, I started again with mild contractions that evening, some requiring concentration and breathing to get through. That evening, I had my bloody show and went to bed. Contractions continued overnight, about every 10 minutes, however they stalled come morning. My husband was starting a brand new career and had orientation that day. He went but my mother in law came over to help watch our 5 yrs old son and so I could rest in case this was the start of labor. I had contractions on and off all day. About 30 minutes after my husband arrived back home that evening, my contractions became regular about every 6-8 minutes apart. 45 minutes later, we called the midwife who, given my history of short labor, advised that we come in to be checked. Sure enough, I was truly in labor.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
With my first labor, I had such a feeling of being out of control since I walked into the hospital in transition and delivered 23 mins later. I also didn't push effectively. This time around, the hardest part was just keeping positive every contraction nearing transition. I entered what I call "doubtville" and needed to utilize everything I had in my toolbox to remain positive
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
We took a comfort measures workshop together. I also listened to the hypnobirthing affirmation CD I borrowed from a friend on car rides to and from work along with the fear cleansing CD. I purchased the mama natural book and frequently read positive natural birth stories to stay in the right frame of mind. During labor, I had dim lights, Ben Harper music on, used lavender essential oil to help remain calm and had a folder that included pictures of birthing positions and most importantly, handwritten affirmations and reminders that I focused on. My son had also drew me a picture book in case I was scared that I used as a distraction.
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What surprised you about your birth?
Despite this being a bigger baby than my first son, 9 lbs and 8 oz compared to 8 lbs, 0 oz, I felt in more control and listened to my body especially during the pushing stage. I only had a small tear and used every natural instinct to bring my baby down and out.
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I was worried all along during this pregnancy, wondering, if my heart could love another being as much as I love my older son... within an instant of delivering my new baby, that was answered. Your heart only expands fuller and fuller. I felt incredibly empowered and so connected to my husband who was the best birth partner
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
I had a significant amount of hip and low back pain during the active stage of labor leading to transition. Although it changed from some contractions to the next, generally counter pressure in the small of my back or having my husband squeeze my hips together helped alleviate pain. As I neared full dilation, low primal tones got me through the start of a contraction to the end along with my husband repeating certain phrases in my ear like, "each contraction brings you closer to Wes" and "trust your body, it was made for this."
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I spent my active labor on a birthing ball, rotating my hips around it and leaning forward on the hospital bed. During late active labor through the majority of my pushing, I labored backwards in the hospital bed on all fours with the head of the bed up. I changed to my back and used a grip bar to deliver him so I could receive him immediately on my chest
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
I was worried all along during this pregnancy, wondering, if my heart could love another being as much as I love my older son... within an instant of delivering my new baby, that was answered. Your heart only expands fuller and fuller. I felt incredibly empowered and so connected to my husband who was the best birth partner
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Trust yourself and your body. Know yourself. I'm a very type A and need a plan and treat natural childbirth like running a marathon. It required preparation, talking out situations with my husband and written affirmations. Lastly, avoid all negative birth stories!
