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When did you realize you were really in labor?
When I couldn't see or open my eyes. I say that because my labor had been long and not too progressive. It got to the point the midwife suggested pitocin to help increase the contractions, which had been irregular and not very strong for about 6 hours. Then within 15 minutes of her suggesting that, my body kicked in without the aid of pitocin and suddenly it was hard to keep my eyes open, or focus on anything external. Then I knew.... This was happening and my body was doing what it needed to on it own without augmentation.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The last bit is so difficult. You read stories if ethereal births, moms looking like they are just completely relaxed and not in any pain, controlling all emotions. That isn't my reality. I cry, I curse, I give up, I beg for relief from the intense contractions, I tell everyone in the room to stop talking to me (with a please), my hair is a mess, I'm blotchy, hot, sweaty and working the hardest of my lifetime. In my heart of hearts I know I can do it, but it is the most intense, frustrating and exhilarating process to experience.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
To think positively about it. To remind myself 'I can do this, I will do this'. Also to surround myself with people I felt the most comfortable with so that I wasn't inhibited during the process.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I was surprised at the stalling of labor. I thought 5th labor my body would in high gear from the get go. It wasn't. It took 14 hours from the beginning the end. With the most happening in the last two hours of labor. So it was a long 12 hours prior to that. It led to self doubt of myself, my body, and what this birth was going to end up being like.
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Tell yourself you can. Repeat it over and over. Anytime you start have doubts during your pregnancy, replace them with 'I can'.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
I'm a big vocalizer, it helps me remember to breathe and to keep everything loose. That combined with touch really was effective this labor.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I delivered on the birth stool. They have been used for centuries in numerous cultures for a reason. Love them!
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
After having 1 loss/still born baby, then 3 boys, to hold my baby and be the one to look and discover and announce it was a GIRL was the most overwhelming feeling ever. I bawled and laughed for a long time.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Tell yourself you can. Repeat it over and over. Anytime you start have doubts during your pregnancy, replace them with 'I can'.
Get a support team that you are comfortable and you trust.
Most of all-dont compare your labor, your birth to anyone else's. Your story is unique. How you start labor, cope with labor, and birth your baby is yours alone. Embrace it. It might be messy at the end with tears and frustration and that's ok!
