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When did you realize you were really in labor?
About lunchtime. I felt very minor contractions early that morning, but I had gone to work that day - as suggested by my midwife, since first-time labors can last DAYS sometimes! Throughout the morning the contractions gradually got stronger, so I decided to head home so I wouldn't have to drive myself anywhere once they were worse.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Dealing with the other people I would tell about having a natural birth. Most women would try to justify their own experiences, or explain why THEY wanted an epidural, hospital birth, etc. Or they would try to convince me that "it's the same result no matter what, why not just use the drugs?" It's tough when many people are so conditioned to go with what the masses do, and not really ask themselves, "what would be the best option for ME?" Lack of knowledge and education about the topic is definitely the biggest contributor to other people's confusion or disapproval.
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Birth
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
PRAY :)
That and listen to my body! Knowing that women have been birthing babies for thousands of years was empowering, and I simply trusted that our amazing bodies take care of themselves and know what to do for the most part.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How quickly I forgot about the pain of contractions, discomfort of pregnancy, anxiety about the birth - and just felt so tough and accomplished for handling it all... and ending up with this teeny tiny human that captivated our hearts in an instant!
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Knowing that women have been birthing babies for thousands of years was empowering, and I simply trusted that our amazing bodies take care of themselves and know what to do for the most part.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
1. Deep breathing and trying to relax
2. Distraction in between contractions (my husband telling jokes),
3. Having my song playlist on in the background.
Husband: "Are we seriously listening to Blackstreet 'No Diggity'? Is this the 90's?" (See point #2)
Me: "You want to question my music choices NOW? How about some chapstick?"
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On all fours in the tub! Her heart rate slowed down during the last few pushes, so my midwife suggested I get on my hands and knees to alleviate that.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Unreal. She was so calm and alert, and my husband and I were speechless. And just like that, she was ours!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Do it! Not just because it "sounds cool" or seems like the right thing to do... but truly research your options and come up with what is best for YOU. It doesn't have to be all or nothing either. There are many "natural" things you can do during your pregnancy, and lots of ways you can modify your birth plan to fit your needs. I am 6 months pregnant with my second baby, and didn't even think twice about having a natural pregnancy and birth. It really is an incredible experience. You CAN do it, and I don't think you will regret it for a second.
