-
When did you realize you were really in labor?
At 4am, I woke to noticeable regular contractions, but not particularly painful. I started timing them for the next hour, and they were 5-10 minutes apart. They continued throughout the morning, sometimes stretching any where from 4-12 minutes apart. At 41 +2 weeks, I had a midwife appointment scheduled for 11:30am to sweep my membranes and at noon she did just that. By 2:30pm, contractions picked up, and I knew we were going to have a baby soon!
-
What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I wouldn't have chosen any other way!
-
20170614_215400
-
What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Lots of self care: Prayer, eating well, taking naps when my toddler napped, laying in bed for 8 hours a night even if I didn't sleep the whole time. I struggled with pendulous abdomen and was rather large for my frame, so taking care of my toddler was difficult. Asking for help from friends towards the end of the pregnancy was vital!
-
What surprised you about your birth?
How fast this second birth was from my first, and how easy birthing in the water felt in comparison to birthing on a stool! My first birth was 33 hours, 45 minutes of active pushing on a stool. This second birth was 18 hours, 19 minutes of active pushing in the water. I really tried to let go of any sort of control over the pain, and just breath and sing through the contractions instead of tightening and being afraid. I knew I could do it since I had done it before. Having a water birth was a wonderful experience!
-
Surround yourself with positive people who support your decision, stop people when they start sharing horror stories of their births gone wrong just don't allow yourself to be afraid.
-
What pain relief strategies worked best?
Water birth! Being able to move freely to labor through contractions in different positions. Breathing and releasing all the pain of the contraction through singing or moaning was so helpful!
-
What position did you end up delivering in?
In the water inclined on my back.
-
How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It was the BEST! I couldn't get over the fact that she was here, and I was holding her.
-
What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Do it. If you are not a high risk pregnancy and there are no red flags, go for it. Surround yourself with positive people who support your decision, stop people when they start sharing horror stories of their births gone wrong--just don't allow yourself to be afraid. Trust your body, do your research, select the best option for your family. Listen to the peace you have about your birthing decision, and go with it.
