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When did you realize you were really in labor?
After weeks and weeks of contractions that never led to real labor, I was 40 weeks and 5 days, laying in bed after breastfeeding my 2 year old, contractions started and I was determined to keep them going and have my baby by the next day. I got up and walked around my house for hours but I honestly didn't realize I was REALLY in labor until my body started pushing. It just didn't feel real until that moment.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The power you feel in your body when it is pushing can be terrifying! I remember feeling extremely scared for just 5 minutes at the end just because of the intensity of the pushing contractions. But I would actually say the first few hours of recovery are the hardest (even harder than labor). The afterbirth contractions while breastfeeding are tough.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I learned EVERYTHING I could about birth and I expected to have a simple, normal, easy childbirth, and that's what I got. It took a lot of time throughout my pregnancy to work through the fears I had and let go of that negative energy. Lots of positive visualization and yoga too!
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What surprised you about your birth?
I was so surprised about how EASY birth was the second time. Being in my own home, surrounded by loving supportive people made all the difference for my birth. I was dancing, laughing and smiling until the very end.
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It took a lot of time throughout my pregnancy to work through the fears I had and let go of that negative energy. Lots of positive visualization and yoga too!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Being upright, dancing, rocking my hips and the best thing was getting my hips squeezed and rubbed during contractions by my husband.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Squatting in the birthing tub. I grabbed my baby and pulled her up out of the water myself.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Amazing! Such relief!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Don't be afraid to explore your fears about childbirth and then find a way to release them.
