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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I was 40 weeks and 4 days and had no signs of the baby coming. After having a few mild inconsistent contractions during the day, my husband and I went for a post-dinner walk around the neighborhood, came home and put our toddler to bed. Around 9pm, the contractions started up and were 8 minutes apart. I knew that I would be meeting my little guy sooner than later.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging thing about a natural birth is listening to and blocking out others negative experiences and comments regarding birth. Staying positive and confident in your choices is so important for a natural birth!
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
For this birth I did Hypnobabies home study. It really helped prepare a positive mind set and added a needed element of relaxation into birth preparation.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I was so surprised at how fast the birth was! My natural birth of my first kiddo was 24 hours of laboring at home, 7.5 hours of laboring at the birth center with 3+ hours of pushing! This second birth was so speedy! Contractions began at 9pm, we arrive at the birth center at 12:02 (3 hours later!), and he was born in two pushes 26 minutes after we got there!!
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Having a natural birth is believing in yourself and staying positive. Tune out others negative experiences, as they aren't yours, and set yourself up for success by knowing and understanding your body, creating positive mental images, and having a birth team who understands and supports your desires for a natural birth! Be positive and radiate confidence!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Rocking back and forth while standing and sitting on my birth ball were great pain relief mechanisms at home. The warm water at the birth center and sitting on my knees was very helpful!
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On my knees in the tub.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
I was so excited that he was finally here and that my husband and daughter and mom were by my side! Holding him was a euphoric feeling of relief, ecstatic happiness, and radiant love.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
In my opinion the key to having a natural birth is believing in yourself and staying positive. Tune out others negative experiences, as they aren't yours, and set yourself up for success by knowing and understanding your body, creating positive mental images, and having a birth team who understands and supports your desires for a natural birth! Be positive and radiate confidence!
