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When did you realize you were really in labor?
My contractions woke me up around 1230. I had been having false labor off and on so I ignored them at first, but once I couldn't go back to sleep because I was so uncomfortable it clicked.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Remembering that it ends. In the moment all I could focus on was the strength of the contractions and at first I thought there is no way I'm going to be able to handle this for hours. I had to switch my mindset and just handle one at a time and let my body take over.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Educate the people that we're going to be around me in labor as to why I wanted it. That not only made me be reminded of the reasons, but it also made sure they were supportive during labor.
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What surprised you about your birth?
The intensity. My first son was an unmedicated birth as well and it was very peaceful. My contractions gradually built with him. This birth was fast, furious, and completely different.
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Believe in yourself, listen to your body, and don't hold on to tightly to how you think it should be. I had a completely different plan as to how I was going to labor, but when I was finally in it I had to adapt to what worked.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Staying on my feet and imagining I was climbing up a hill to get a flag. During each contraction I would move my feet in a small climbing motion and I kept repeating "one foot in front of the other". I was also hanging on my husband in a slow dancing position. Being that close to him and smelling him calmed me. He would repeat "one foot in front of the other" with me and it felt like we were in it together.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
My hospital and doctor will only deliver with you in the bed on your back, but they were very supportive in letting me stand while pushing and I literally hopped on the bed right before he came out.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
A rush of love, pride, and relief.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Believe in yourself, listen to your body, and don't hold on to tightly to how you think it should be. I had a completely different plan as to how I was going to labor, but when I was finally in it I had to adapt to what worked.
