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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I used a breast pump to stimulate contractions & my midwife broke my water on my son's due date. He was measuring much bigger than my other two babies had been at birth
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
It hurts! It's also a little nerve racking because there's no way to know how long or short a labor will be. Deep breathing & staying in the moment is essential to success with a natural birth
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I also had my first son naturally, I remembered the things my body went through as labor progressed & trusted my instincts. I also used the same hospital & midwife- although "induction" was new to me, I trusted the process & my midwife's experience.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How relaxing the tub was during the last hour of active labor. My nurse was spot on when she guided me to the tub, she knew it was the right time. I was able to feel weightless & almost fall asleep between contractions. My husband sat with me and sprayed water on my shoulders & back. It was pretty wonderful, and I only got out because I felt like I needed to push. My son was board about a half hour later.
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Trust your practitioner, listen to your nurse or doula. It's ok to feel scared, it's scary! But feel the fear & do it anyway! Every contraction gets you closer to your baby. After it's all over & you're holding your baby you will feel incredible. It's such an accomplishment!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Breathing, walking, pelvic rocking, and the tub with warm water & jets.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Left side lying with my right leg lifted.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
So wonderful, and a relief! He was 8lbs 9oz and there was a slight concern of shoulder dystocia. My other babies were less than 7 lbs! I felt incredibly strong & so happy I braved through it! It's a huge adrenaline rush!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Trust your practitioner, listen to your nurse or doula. It's ok to feel scared, it's scary! But feel the fear & do it anyway! Every contraction gets you closer to your baby. After it's all over & you're holding your baby you will feel incredible. It's such an accomplishment!
