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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I realized I was really in labor after 55 hours of prodromal labor! I felt my contractions pick up in intensity and frequency and they were much harder to manage. I also knew that we needed to call our doula and midwife after my husband and I were no longer able to manage on our own.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging thing was the constant contractions. I had a 70 hour labor so it was very hard to manage after so long. I also found the pushing to be quite challenging because that also took me 3 hours!
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Several things really helped prepare me for childbirth. I maintained an exercise and movement practice up until 40 weeks which included yoga, strength training and walking. I read lots of books, articles and blogs on natural pregnancy and birth. I took several classes including hypnobirthing which provides lots of tools like visualization, affirmations and mantras. I made a birth board (like a vision board) to incorporate images and pictures of what I wanted to have at my birth. I hired an incredible doula and had the best midwives as care providers. I spent a lot of time with my husband talking, reflecting and making sure he was prepared, confident and on board with natural birth.
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What surprised you about your birth?
It is so challenging, powerful, transformative, instinctual and amazing. The best thing I have ever done in my life but also by far the hardest! It changed me as a person and prepared me for motherhood in a way that nothing else can. It was the highlight of my life!
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You can do it! I did it for 3 days and I survived to talk about it. It is possible, it just requires all of you, the best of you, your full participation and presence as well as a deep surrendering and letting go.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
The birth pool was incredible as was the shower. Deep yogic breathing. Counter pressure and massage. A hot water bottle across my back. Using the rebozo around my hips.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
In bed flat on my back, knees into chest with directed pushing. Not what I expected! I planned to deliver in water but after 65+ hours, I was too exhausted and needed support.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
HEAVEN! Magical. Blissful. Worth every single contraction, every part of the pain, all the sensation. The most surreal experience of my life. Better than anything I have ever experienced.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
You can do it! I did it for 3 days and I survived to talk about it. It is possible, it just requires all of you, the best of you, your full participation and presence as well as a deep surrendering and letting go. You need to be in good shape with stamina and will power, drive and dedication. It is not the easy way out. But it will empower you and give you a whole new level of confidence especially vital for mothering. I would do it again and again!
