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When did you realize you were really in labor?
My midwives broke my water about 1:30 pm on 1/6/17 ( Irelynnd was 6 days over due). My contractions started within 20 minutes. They picked up pretty quickly and by 3:45 pm, the contractions were getting pretty intense; doubling in pain from the one previously.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging thing about going through labor and birth naturally, for me, would be dealing with the contractions prior to my body and baby being ready for me to begin pushing. At times I would think, "I can't believe I decided to do this again!" But I knew it wouldn't last forever and in the end, my baby would be here.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I watched my birthing video of my first child, who was also a home birth, several times and also home birth YouTube videos. I watched these things to mentally prepare myself. I believe that laboring naturally is mostly a mental situation that you must be prepared for.
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What surprised you about your birth?
A couple things surprised me about Irelynnd's birth. One, is the fact that my labor with her was only 5 hours long, from the time they broke my water to the time she was born. And two, my large-little girl got stuck (her shoulder behind my pelvis) trying to birth her body. (Everyone is safe and healthy.)
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Prepare. Mentally. Know that this is what you are wanting to do, no matter what. If you have a doubt in your mind prior to labor, it will sneak up during the process. Know that you are more than capable of giving birth naturally.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
A large ball on my bed. I leaned on it with my chest and arms while my knees were on the bed. Towed the end I got to labor in the birthing pool. ;)
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I delivered my daughters head in the water while on my knees, leaning against the side of the pool. Since she got stuck after birthing her head, I had to deliver her body on the floor on my back. (My midwives had to manipulate her body out.)
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Surreal.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Prepare. Mentally. Know that this is what you are wanting to do, no matter what. If you have a doubt in your mind prior to labor, it will sneak up during the process. Know that you are more than capable of giving birth naturally. It is very empowering to to tell others, "I had my baby naturally!!!) I am petite (5,2 and 110 lb prior to pregnancy) and gave birth to an 11 lb daughter.
