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When did you realize you were really in labor?
For about seven weeks, I was having Braxton Hicks contractions and was constantly wondering how I would know that I was really in labor. However, when the time actually came, there was no doubt about it! I realized I was in labor around 9 PM on Friday night, when my contractions immediately got intense and we're only about 2–3 minutes apart. By 10 PM I had some amniotic fluid leaking, so we headed to the hospital and I was already dilated to 7 cm! My son was born by 2:12 AM on Saturday!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging part for me was waiting for my cervix to dilate before I could start pushing. My body was telling me to push, but it wasn't time yet. Once it was time to push, even though it was really painful, it felt productive and good to be able to release my pain somehow.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
My husband and I read the book "Husband-Coached Childbirth", which was really helpful because it allowed him to encourage me and help me throughout the whole process. You think you could remember to breathe, but in the middle of labor even that's too much to remember so friendly reminders are helpful. :)
I also think it helped that I worked out throughout most of my pregnancy. After week 32 it became a little bit more difficult so I just walked. However, before that I was very active doing cardio, squats, and light weights come which I think really helped keep my body in shape and ready for delivery.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I was super surprised how fast the whole process went. With it being my first pregnancy, I was expecting it to be a very long drawn-out process. I seem to have skipped the early labor stage and jumped right into active labor. From my first painful contractions to the moment my son was laid on my chest, it was only five hours and 15 minutes!
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Remind yourself that God designed your body to do this and you're capable of it. The pain has a purpose! Continue to affirm your ability and remind yourself of the "prize" that's coming at the end!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
For me the pain relief strategies that work best varied by the minute! One minute bouncing on the exercise ball felt nice and the next minute I was on my hands and knees. I think the most helpful thing was breathing and trying to relax as much as possible. My husband also massaged my lower back almost the entire time, which was a lifesaver!
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I delivered lying on my back.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It instantly felt like all the pain was worthwhile... even though I seriously doubted it would be when I was in the middle of dilating! I was in awe of him and also feeling a lot of relief that the whole process was over!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Remind yourself that God designed your body to do this and you're capable of it. The pain has a purpose! Continue to affirm your ability and remind yourself of the "prize" that's coming at the end!
