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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I realized I was really in labor when the contractions started getting more intense throughout the night. I tried taking a bath in the middle of the night which didn't help so I moved to the couch and tried sleeping between contractions. When my husband got up the next morning, I told him we needed to have my mom come out and get our 2 year old son to watch him. Once she left with him, the contractions really picked up in intensity.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
While the contractions were really painful, I think not knowing how much worse it could get or how much longer would be was worse. I planned to labor at home for as long as possible and thought my doula would meet us at our house before heading to the hospital, but based on the frequency of my contractions, my doula thought I had a lot longer to go. So she didn't come over to our house and ended up meeting us at the hospital once I couldn't take the pain any longer. Since I hadn't been checked at all, I had no idea how far along I really was until arriving at the hospital. I prayed I was close, though, and wouldn't have a whole lot longer to go. When I got in and they checked me, I was fully dilated and a station 2- ready to push. Thank goodness! I pushed about 10 minutes, and had my beautiful baby girl. She was born within 20 minutes of arriving at the hospital.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I took good care of my body and baby by working out and eating healthy food. I also got regular chiropractic adjustments, did certain stretches, and avoided reclining to keep my pelvis in the optimum position to allow my baby to get in the best position for birth. I did a lot of research on natural births and VBACs, and also listened to tons of podcasts on childbirth which helped me a lot.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I was surprised at how relatively quickly it went and how my body knew exactly what to do without needing any interventions of any kind. I knew the femal body was capable of it, but I was still a little worried since I had a c-section with my first child due to him being breech and having the cord wrapped around his neck. I was so relieved and happy to have an all natural delivery and birth this time around.
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Do your research. Know all your options and be prepared for the different scenarios that could play out. Also, be sure to have a supportive birth partner and doula. My husband and doula were invaluable in helping me through the pain and coaching me through the pushing phase when I was exhausted and afraid.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Nothing we tried seemed to help too much, but I mostly labored in the pretzel position and on all fours and breathed through the contractions with deep, low moans and my husband encouraging me the whole time.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On my back in the hospital bed with my husband holding one of my legs and my doula holding the other.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Amazing. It was such a relief to have her in my arms, see her beautiful face, and be done with the pain.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Do your research. Know all your options and be prepared for the different scenarios that could play out. Also, be sure to have a supportive birth partner and doula. My husband and doula were invaluable in helping me through the pain and coaching me through the pushing phase when I was exhausted and afraid.
