-
When did you realize you were really in labor?
I had to be induced 8 days after my due date, due to my baby's heartbeat dropping really low. The doctor broke my water at 1:30 pm. I had my baby at at 2:53 pm.
-
What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
It happened so fast and was extremely intense that i questioned whether I could do it without an epidural because I was expecting it to last 10 hours like my first birth.
-
IMG_0247
-
What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Prayer and red raspberry leaf tea. Once he broke my water I used Clary Sage essential oil to help bring on contractions.
-
What surprised you about your birth?
How quickly labor went. I progressed from 4cm-10 in one hour.
-
Don't be discouraged if things don't go exactly as you had planned. I was extremely upset when the doctor told me I was going to have to be induced. I really wanted the baby to come naturally on his own time and I thought that the chances of me needing an epidural if I got induced would be much greater. But I was able to stay focused and mentally strong to push through with a natural (no epidural) labor and delivery.
-
What pain relief strategies worked best?
Panaway essential oil
-
What position did you end up delivering in?
Laying on my back
-
How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Wonderful! I felt so much joy and thankfulness to God for blessing us with such a perfect baby boy.
-
What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Don't be discouraged if things don't go exactly as you had planned. I was extremely upset when the doctor told me I was going to have to be induced. I really wanted the baby to come naturally on his own time and I thought that the chances of me needing an epidural if I got induced would be much greater. But I was able to stay focused and mentally strong to push through with a natural (no epidural) labor and delivery.
