-
When did you realize you were really in labor?
I realized I was going into labor when my water broke at 5:30 in the morning. I was lying in bed and wasn't sure if I had just suffered a bout of random incontinence or if my water had indeed broke. After a lot of google searching, I still didn't believe my water broke. It wasn't until the nurse confirmed that the liquid was amniotic fluid that I believed I was finally in labor. I
-
What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I had a very natural pregnancy. I drank lots of red raspberry leaf tea, ate all organic, maintained a well balanced diet and kept up with my workouts. The hardest part for me came during the 21 hours of labor with no pain medication! I went into childbirth believing I would be able to breath and focus on my mantras through labor, and while this helped a great deal I don't think anything could've prepared me for that pain.
-
Sophie-02
-
What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Using an exercise ball during the last trimester helped a great deal! Also, connecting with other natural mamas, listening to The Birth Hour podcasts, and updates from Mama Natural.
-
What surprised you about your birth?
First, the pain of labor. Secondly, the unexpected complications I experienced. Third, I was surprised that despite being in labor for so long, it seemed like a short amount of time. I came into the hospital at 7:45 in the morning and before I knew it, it was 8'oclock at night!
-
Being a natural mama is a lifestyle! Do your best to make all natural choices at every stage of your transition into motherhood, but don't be upset or feel too guilty if unforeseen circumstances prevent you from doing everything completely natural. Sometimes life gets in the way of our best intentions!
-
What pain relief strategies worked best?
Some of the pain strategies that worked well for me were changing positions every hour (i.e. rolling on the exercise ball, kneeling in the bed, and putting myself in the cow position), having my husband apply opposing force on my lower back with warm cloth during contractions, and breathing through the contractions while while visualizing my cervix opening. All of this helped, but after 21 hours or labor, with contractions coming one on top of the other and only 2cm dilated, I asked for an epidural.
-
What position did you end up delivering in?
We had some complications that resulted in my having to undergo a cesarean. Not only was there meconium present in her amniotic fluid, but the doctor surmised that my pelvis was not opening enough to deliver safely.
-
How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
The first time I held Sophie was earth shattering! Even though I was dead tired from getting no sleep for 48 hours, I was elated that she was here and healthy. I was in tears because I was so excited to see her.
-
What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Being a natural mama is a lifestyle! Do your best to make all natural choices at every stage of your transition into motherhood, but don't be upset or feel too guilty if unforeseen circumstances prevent you from doing everything completely natural. Sometimes life gets in the way of our best intentions!
