-
When did you realize you were really in labor?
Contractions started around 3 am and they were coming every 3-4 minutes. My water broke around 7 am once I arrived at the hospital - it was like a scene from the movies and it went everywhere!
-
What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I hardly had time to rest in between contractions, especially towards the end of active labor, when it seemed I was having contractions one after the other. They were really intense too! I couldn't do anything but hold onto the wall and lay down whenever I could. Everything else (massage, using the Swiss ball, walking) seemed to make the contractions even more difficult to get through!
-
IMG-20160322-WA0030
-
What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Doing the Mama Natural Birth Course and reading as much as I could about natural birth. Also, I exercised throughout my pregnancy and did weight-bearing exercises, a lot of yoga and stretching, walked whenever I could and swam most weekends. I also belly danced and hula hooped!
-
What surprised you about your birth?
I had planned on doing certain exercises and massage techniques during labor, but they seemed to make the sensation of my contractions more intense. I also was surprised at how quickly delivery went - in 5 or so big pushes and within 20 minutes my son came out! Unfortunately, I think he came out too fast, as he broke his collarbone and I tore.
-
Doing the Mama Natural Birth Course and reading as much as I could about natural birth. Also, I exercised throughout my pregnancy and did weight-bearing exercises, a lot of yoga and stretching, walked whenever I could and swam most weekends. I also belly danced and hula hooped!
-
What pain relief strategies worked best?
I had a long list of pain relief strategies that I had wanted to try out, but all I wanted to do was lay down and rest between and during contractions.
-
What position did you end up delivering in?
On my back - I was too weak to move into another position.
-
How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Surreal - I couldn't believe I had a baby!
-
How did the Mama Natural Birth Class help you in your childbirth?
It helped me to anticipate the different stages, especially to know that I would most likely vomit and want meds during transition, which is exactly what happened, so I knew I would soon be with my baby!
