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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I realized I was really in labor when the contractions started taking some concentration to get through, instead of just distraction.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging thing was knowing that I may have to "fight the system." Birth is so medical these days, and my plan was to give birth in a hospital. It is easier for the doctors and nurses if you have an epidural, and if you are flat on your back. I knew I didn't want these things though! It was also a lot of WORK, I guess that's why they call it labor. I was completely exhausted by the time my little one made her appearance.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
The most helpful thing I did to prepare was take a childbirth class. My husband and I took the Bradley Natural Childbirth class, and we had an amazing teacher that we still keep in touch with, even though my daughter is over a year old, and we have moved away. Really educating ourselves was so important, especially since we were going to be in a hospital and they have some "outdated" policies, like only ice chips for labor.
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What surprised you about your birth?
The most surprising thing was actually after the birth. I had an incredibly difficult time breastfeeding. I spent so much time learning about labor and birth, but barely any time on breastfeeding, because I thought it would be so easy and so intuitive. I encourage every pregnant mama to go to a LLL or Breastfeeding USA meeting before they give birth, and have a support network of breastfeeding mamas. It's the only way I got through the extreme pain (caused in part by a lip tie and tongue tie).
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Really educating ourselves was so important, especially since we were going to be in a hospital and they have some "outdated" policies, like only ice chips for labor.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Breathing helped the most for me. Deep, relaxing, meditative breathing. My husband got to saying, "Imagine you are blowing the pain away," and that was really helpful. At some points in my labor I liked a little massage too, especially toward transition, my doula was rubbing my feet.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I ended up delivering in the bed, on my side, with a nurse holding my leg up. I thought I wanted to squat, but I was just too exhausted by the time I felt the urge to push.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It felt right. My husband caught the baby, and announced to me that "It's a girl!" Everyone thought we were having a boy, so this was a cool moment. She was so slippery and kept sliding off my chest, but I didn't want her to be wiped off, I just wanted her on me. It also really helped with the pain (I had some tearing), to be able to focus on her.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Definitely educate yourself! I think this is the most important... and more than a one hour class from the hospital. ;-) I had a great experience with Bradley, but it seems like the Mama Natural Birth class is going to be outstanding. Having a doula also helped me (and my husband) tremendously. We will definitely get a doula for the next one too.
My whole written out birth story is on my small blog, PharmerSarah.
