-
When did you realize you were really in labor?
I realized I was in labor when my contractions that I was skeptical whether were even real contractions became unbearable. I had been contracting the night before but until right before my decision to finally go to the hospital I wasn't sure if I was actually contracting or if it was all in my head.
-
What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging thing was not going natural at all. I thought I could do it but it was too painful. I needed to be induced so I think it made the contractions much worse, along with me trying every natural induction in the book at home. I drank senna tea, had sex, ate pineapples, and did some exercises that claimed to help. Well I think it all did! But baby still didn't want to come. I ended up having an epidural because I couldn't take the pain. They turned the epidural off, broke my water, and gave me pitocin. I asked for the mirror so I could watch and it was the best thing in the world. Since the epidural was turned off I could feel it all but the pain was simmered. I'm so happy in the end it had to be turned off because the experience was beautiful! Next time I plan to try all natural again! Next time I'm promising myself I won't give in to the epidural!
-
IMG_5405
-
What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
The most helpful thing for me to prepare myself for childbirth was my "The Mama Natural Week-by-Week Guide to Pregnancy and Childbirth" book. Seriously, it is an amazing book and I learned so much about how I wanted my baby's birth to go and how I wanted to prepare for birth and beyond.
-
What surprised you about your birth?
What surprised me the most about my baby's birth was how fast the pushing stage went when my baby finally decided she wanted to come! It went by so fast! I give credit to the dates and red raspberry leaf tea. I don't know if they really were the reason but I'd say they worked!
-
I was so glad to finally have her in my arms. But, the best part about it was seeing my 6 year old daughters face. She was right next to me through the whole thing and the huge smile and tears she had when she looked at me and the baby was magical.
-
What pain relief strategies worked best?
As weird as it sounds when I was in the tub, touching myself "down under" helped so much, along with the breathing.
-
What position did you end up delivering in?
I delivered on my back. It wasn't the position I ideally thought I would want to deliver in, but it did work for me in the end.
-
How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
When holding my baby for the first time I felt so happy! I was so glad to finally have her in my arms. But, the best part about it was seeing my 6 year old daughters face. She was right next to me through the whole thing and the huge smile and tears she had when she looked at me and the baby was magical.
-
What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
My advice to other mamas who want to go natural is to ignore all the horror stories about birth and to DO YOUR RESEARCH! There are beautiful stories out there and you could have your own beautiful story with the right information and the right mindset, no matter the outcome of the birth.
