-
When did you realize you were really in labor?
I lost my mucus plug early Friday morning however labor didn't begin until Saturday evening. I was walking outside looking at horses on a cold 1st day of November and just like that my contractions started gaining traction.
-
What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
My daughter was coming down into the birth canal, and the midwife could tell she wasn't tucking her chin to her chest. This was causing some intense, long laboring hours. Through some exercises recommended by my midwife, my husband and I were able to get her to shift. Once that happened things started progressing much faster.
-
505
-
What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I only welcomed positivity and optimism. If friends, family members or even people I didn't know from Adam, wanted to start putting fear into me about why we shouldn't birth at home I would politely tell them we were confident in our decision, and trusting God. End of story!
-
What surprised you about your birth?
Although I was having a tough time getting her into position to effectively push - the spirit in my house never dimmed. We had beautiful music playing, candles lit, and everyone was praying over the baby and I. It was honestly a pretty miraculous experience.
-
Have faith! I would constantly remind myself that there were billions of women to come before me and do this very same thing! Trust your body and believe in God. Surround yourself with positive influences.
-
What pain relief strategies worked best?
My husband was helping massage my back with essential oils which felt magnificent and also being in the birthing tub alleviated a lot of pressure
-
What position did you end up delivering in?
I was squatting very low in the birth tub, with my husband by my side and my mother helping me from behind
-
How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
I felt completely enamored. I was in absolute shock that after all the hard work of laboring and birthing, I finally had this tiny human being in my arms. My life felt like it had actually begun at that moment. Birth is absolutely miraculous.
-
What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Have faith! I would constantly remind myself that there were billions of women to come before me and do this very same thing! Trust your body and believe in God. Surround yourself with positive influences.
