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When did you realize you were really in labor?
After going 11 days past my due date I thought I would never go into labor naturally. On a Friday night after about two hours of manageable but very steady contractions I was finally convinced this was really happening!! That was at 11:40pm
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The process of laboring was so easy, I could hardly believe it. I felt great. Contractions were so manageable and there were so many breaks in between and time to catch my breath and even laugh and chat with our birth team.
The challenging part was the pushing phase....oh boy. That's when I thought what have I done?!! Forty minutes later though our 9lbs boy was born. That was a serious weight difference from his big sister who weighed 6lbs....no wonder the pushing phase seemed so much more challenging this time around!
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I educated myself in a variety of ways. I watched multiple documentaries, read books on birth, and mom blogs. I watched so many home birth videos, I meditated, and prayed. I talked to as many moms as I could. I asked lots of questions.
In the end I think I felt confident that for me personally, this was what I wanted and felt safest about for myself and my son. I think being emotionally prepared ahead of time freed up all of my head and heart space for labor, I was at peace and totally in that moment. I think my lack of fear made everything so easy and calm.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How easy my labor was. It was so easy!!! My first home birth was fast and furious. There was no resting. This time I was able experience a contraction, work with it, and then experience relief and rest. That was all new to me and really awesome!! Also how big my baby was!!! I NEVER thought I would have a 9lb baby! Still amazed I did that!
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You really can do it. Sincerely, you can. And I believe you will be glad you did. Labor is hard I won't lie, there is no easy way to bring babies into this world. Natural birth for me has been an empowering, liberating gift. You are stronger than you know, and you do not have to be afraid.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Counter pressure. Bouncing on the birth ball. Placing the birth ball on the bed and leaning over it while counter pressure was applied on my back and hips.
I also had recently purchased a rice filled heating bag from a massage therapist. It is designed to deal around your neck and shoulders, but it also wrapped perfectly around my lower back and hips. The heat was awesome and so helpful!!
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Proped up with pillows on my back. Like you might deliver in hospital.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Best feeling ever!!! Everything they say is true, it's love at first sight. I felt so thankful and blessed.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
You really can do it. Sincerely, you can. And I believe you will be glad you did. Labor is hard I won't lie, there is no easy way to bring babies into this world. Natural birth for me has been an empowering, liberating gift. You are stronger than you know, and you do not have to be afraid.
