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When did you realize you were really in labor?
At about 5:30 am my contractions became very consistent, 4-5 min. apart and lasting nearly a minute. They were more painful than BH.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The back labor was pretty painful so it was a challenge to stay focused, but I felt confident and well equipped mentally and physically! That helped so much.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Besides good nutrition and fitness, I think being informed about the birth process and knowing my options helped me feel prepared. When you feel prepared for birth you can enter into the process without fear or stress and that alone helps the body focus and progress well.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How fast the time goes surprised me. I had almost no time to do anything else accept get through each contraction. It's like a really busy day at work. It may feel intense, but the hours fly. Slow days drag. Birth is hard work!
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Celebrate the joy of new life and cherish each moment! Guard your mind from anything that will steal your joy. Prepare to fall in love all over again!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Since I had back labor counter-pressure on my hips and hot rice packs on my lower back and lower abdomen were a God-sent. I have to say what made all the difference for pain management was having a great birth team to assist me! Wow! So blessed!
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I actually delivered standing up! I need the help of gravity because my pumpkin was sunny side up!
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Anbsolute releif as well as utter surprise because we didn't know the gender of our baby until birth and we were both guessing "BOY" yet, she came out a beautiful baby girl! :)
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
I have a lot of advice to share because I am passionate about natural birth but I will stick to a couple of points.
1. Don't be afraid! Your body is designed to bear and birth children. Your body knows what to do even when you feel apprehensive. Trust!
2. Be in charge. This is important, especially with a hospital birth. Know your options. Find out ways to manage pain so you don't cave in under the pressure for meds and other intervention. Set your mind ahead of time and make decisions from those goals. ( Remember to be flexible as well knowing that your labor and delivery may not progress as you planned)
3. Brace yourself for the long run. Pregnancy, birth, recovery, and motherhood. It is one long, beautiful process.
4. Celebrate the joy of new life and cherish each moment! Guard your mind from anything that will steal your joy. Prepare to fall in love all over again!
