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When did you realize you were really in labor?
Around 9pm on a Saturday night I felt contractions start (I have had back labor with both of my boys). At one point I felt the head descend, and I knew at that point the labor was starting.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I practiced hypnobirthing for all of my back labor (32 hours this time with my second). It worked great, so did acupressure from my husband. The most challenging part was when the baby was crowning. Funny story, I was tired right before pushing to when he crowned and had two bananas right before that point. My doula's birth notes still crack me up.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Watching YouTube videos of home births, hospital births, etc. (mainly positive ones only, I'd turn off the dramatic ones). Also hypnobirthing workbook and just chatting with my doulas (I had two cousins - a 2-4-1 deal)!
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What surprised you about your birth?
How amazing it felt to push, and how I was beyond shocked when my midwife showed up and I had already transitioned! She and the doulas showed up JUST in time! Home birth was amazing compared to my hospital birth (and epidural at 8cm) because I wasn't constantly checked or nagged. I was in the comfort of my own home and could move at my own pace. My 2.5 slept peacefully the entire time with his Mimi and I loved knowing he'd be waking up to a little brother the following day (I gave birth at 6:55am).
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You can do it. Take one contraction at a time, pushing feels amazing. Transition is the most difficult part, but truly it's the quickest.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Hypnobirthing, shower, acupressure, sitting on the toilet
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I sat on a birthing stool after pushing for an hour in the birthing tub.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
The best feeling in the world.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
You can do it. Take one contraction at a time, pushing feels amazing. Transition is the most difficult part, but truly it's the quickest. It's over before you know it and any painful sensations are gone -- and you'll have that sweet baby in your arms at the end of the process.
