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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I had prodromal labor for four days. Finally the night of my due date contractions were becoming consistent and lasted until the next morning at 7am. Then I thought I had to use the restroom and my water had partially ruptured and I had bloody show.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The very end. I had labored all day at home and had planned to stay there to give birth. My contractions became one on top of the other and I i told my support team I just wanted to be done. The pain wasn't unbearable, I was just so tired from being up all night and into the early afternoon.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Planning a home birth made it so much easier to go natural. Even though we transferred at the last minute, it was great to labor all at home and being able to be in control of my body, food intake, and movements during labor.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How quickly baby came after transition and no pushing. This was my best labor by far, aside from transferring to a hospital due to partial placental abruption.
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Trust your body! Give yourself completely to the labor process. Don't fight it or tense. Relax and vocalize through contractions.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Counter pressure from support team, moving around, and showers.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Laying down.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Amazing. It was a surprise team green baby who turned out to be a girl after two boys. We were unprepared but elated.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Trust your body! Give yourself completely to the labor process. Don't fight it or tense. Relax and vocalize through contractions.
