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When did you realize you were really in labor?
My water broke at 430 am and I was not getting any contractions. I ended up at the hospital just hanging out and waiting. I walked the halls and did the staurs for hours. I knew I was really in labor when I had to stop and breathe while I was walking to let the contraction pass. An hour later I had to stop walking and return to my room and tough it out with my husband and doula because The contractions started coming on quick and lasted longer.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I never knew how much I was dilated because my water broke before labor began so I kept thinking I was only 4-5 cm. I wasn't sure if I could handle 5 hours of contractions at the magnitude they were coming in. I wanted to quit but my doula looked me in the eyes, deep & reminded me of our agreement. My husband & doula's support made it possible.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I am a distance runner so I copied 2 running motivational posters and hung them so I Could see them. I would read them when I got a break. I focused on breathing and imagined myself riding the contraction like a wave to the shore. I also had it set in my mind that the pain was productive and preparing my baby to enter the world. I had to accept the pain was not harmful, I wanted to avoid my body going into fight or flight which would have prolonged my labor.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I was surprised how quickly it went by and how the pain disappeared once I heard my baby cry. Once I accepted that the pain was opening the door for my baby to come into the world it was all downhill.
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Do not be afraid and accept the pain as good productive pain because once you begin to freak out the fight or flight response will begin which halts the labor for progressing, stay calm and just breathe.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Breathing and allowing my body go into its primal state. I moaned and groaned while controlling the sounds with my breath. Visualization also helped, I visualized myself riding the contraction wave and the shore meant relief. I also kept reading my motivational posters about never quitting, accepting that this journey would be painful but worth the hurt.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I wanted to have him standing up but the midwives had me get on the bed and I ended up having him on my back.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
I was in complete shock, in a different state of mind that I asked the nurses "Is this my baby?!" Once I he was placed on my chest I experienced love that is indescribable, pure evidence of God and his miracles.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Believe in yourself, your body was made to deliver the baby. Do not listen to others, they will doubt you and scare you with their opinions. Invest in a doula and work with her and your partner, limit them to being the only people in the delivery room. Do not be afraid and accept the pain as good productive pain because once you begin to freak out the fight or flight response will begin which halts the labor for progressing, stay calm and just breathe.
