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When did you realize you were really in labor?
The morning that I went into labor, I lost my mucus plug. I texted my doula to ask her about it, and she told me that it may or may not indicate that I would be going into labor soon. Around 10 am, I started having somewhat uncomfortable contractions. This being my first pregnancy, I did not know what to expect, especially since I had only had Braxton Hicks beforehand. I went to the chiropractor for my weekly adjustment around noon, and the contractions were still coming on, but not consistently. Around 6 pm, the contractions started to definitely pick up and get closer together. I took a bath, which slowed them down, but then they picked back up after getting out. After timing the contractions and discovering they were 4 minutes apart, we decided to head to the hospital (which was 45 minutes away, yay!...) When we got to the hospital, I was 4 cm dilated (I had already been 4 cm a few days earlier at my 38 week appointment, so they let me walk around for 45 minutes before checking again. When they checked me again, I was 6 cm, so I guess at that point I knew it was real!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging part for me was the pain that I felt in my lower back during each contraction. I wasn't expecting that, so it threw me off initially. My husband and doula helped apply counter pressure, which was a huge help.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
My husband and I had taken a 12 week Bradley method birthing class to help prepare for the birth, all with the goal of going natural. The part that helped me the most during labor was my deep, relaxed breathing. We practiced relaxation techniques beforehand, which helped me stay loose throughout labor (except for the end during transition when I thought I wouldn't be able to go on).
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What surprised you about your birth?
What surprised me most was how quickly the pushing stage happened for me. The doctor came in around 5:25 am, and out little guy was born at 5:48.
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It was definitely surreal! It's definitely true what they say about immediately forgetting the pain once you have your baby in your arms. It was (and still is) an incredible feeling.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Counter pressure on my hips and lower back during contractions, walking around, deep breathing, and slow dancing with my hubby.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I was so exhausted by the end, that I delivered on my back, with my legs in stirrups. It was still successful, and the contractions almost felt better when I finally got to push!
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It was definitely surreal! It's definitely true what they say about immediately forgetting the pain once you have your baby in your arms. It was (and still is) an incredible feeling.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Take a class with your spouse to help prepare, stay relaxed, practice deep breathing, and walk around during the contractions if you can.
