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When did you realize you were really in labor?
At 11:30pm contractions woke me up and were getting longer, stronger, and closer together. I woke my husband and called my mom, mother-in-law, and midwife. My baby was born close to 7:30 the following am, so not an incredibly long labor for a first baby!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Knowing that the end result was all up to me! Keeping my head focused in order to surrender to the contractions and to allow my body to birth without resisting the pain.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Watched a lot of birth videos! Prayed a lot and formed a prayer group of some wonderful ladies and family. Also practicing breathing and pain management techniques taught in our midwife's birthing classes.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I had a birthing tub to labor in, but was surprised that I actually gave birth in it! I also surprised myself by not screaming or feeling out of control of myself.
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Surrender to the contractions- literally the only time you have to work is the pushing at the end. The contractions are working for you, so focus on breathing and lean in to them.
Also, talk to your baby- you're a team working together in birth- make sure baby knows they're welcome and anticipated!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Breathing and praying. I loved when our midwife would ask to hear the baby's heartbeat during a contraction- it helped me focus on being still and peaceful because I really wanted to hear that little heartbeat!
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What position did you end up delivering in?
In the water!
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It felt wonderful! That was all I could think about while I held her for the first time.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Surrender to the contractions- literally the only time you have to work is the pushing at the end. The contractions are working for you, so focus on breathing and lean in to them.
Also, talk to your baby- you're a team working together in birth- make sure baby knows they're welcome and anticipated!
