-
When did you realize you were really in labor?
After doing a third membrane sweep at 41w 5d, on the way home my contractions were about 10min apart and I could not talk through them. At that point I knew this was labor and considered turning around to go back to the birth center.
-
What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The pain was always intimidating for me, but after giving birth naturally once I couldn't imagine any other way. I was worried about possible complications and having to be transferred to the hospital, but all the benefits of natural birth kept me encouraged.
-
image27
-
What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Drinking red raspberry leaf tea, reading childbirth stories and just taking care of my body during pregnancy.
-
What surprised you about your birth?
It was much harder than my first due to the position of my cervix, but also much faster. From the first contraction to holding baby was 4.5hrs, compared to 15hrs the first time.
-
The pain was always intimidating for me, but after giving birth naturally once I couldn't imagine any other way. The benefits of natural birth kept me encouraged.
-
What pain relief strategies worked best?
Standing in the shower with hot water on my back was my number one strategy. Due to how fast my labor was going and my cervix position, I felt like pushing when I was still at 6cm, so at that point breathing and squeezing things was my pain relief method..
-
What position did you end up delivering in?
Laying on the bed on my side. That was the only way that seemed to lessen the pain and made pushing more efficient.
-
How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Like a breath of fresh air. Such joy and relief!
-
What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Your body knows what to do - trust it!
