-
When did you realize you were really in labor?
Not until we were leaving for the birth center and I started getting the ones that made me moan and say f*ck a lot. I had back labour the first time, so I didn't know what to do with the manageable contractions that were mostly up front. I was convinced they were just really bad warm up contractions.
-
What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Honestly, I can't say that anything was very challenging about going "natural". It sucked, it hurt, but there was never a "I should have gotten the drugs" moment with this one, simply a "gotta get through this, make it end" mentality.
-
20160824_104311
-
What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Enrolled in Sacred Pregnancy Instructor training. I was able to practice the mind set and going limp that was needed to get through labour. I still had to have reminders from my doula, but it was much easier to just buckle down and go down to my space having practiced beforehand.
-
What surprised you about your birth?
How aware I was this time around. No fuzziness, no blacking out. I was coherent and conscious of what was happening, even if a few things are blurry.
-
Just do it. Don't psych yourself out or have a specific plan. Just go in with the mindset that it won't last forever, and have a great birth team to help you with positioning and comfort measures. You have to have knowledge of your own power and strength to do it, you absolutely cannot rely on others to do it for you. When you start looking to others to make the pain stop is when it hurts a million times worse.
-
What pain relief strategies worked best?
Everything happened so fast, but my doula putting pressure on my hips and back, and the 2 minutes I got in the tub before pushing were wonderful!
-
What position did you end up delivering in?
In a modified on back position........this I'm not happy about. It was convenient for the midwife, but hurt, so I kept putting my feet down so I was in a more semi-reclined position.
-
How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Strange. He came out hollering and not nearly as fragile as his brother. It was almost a shock that not all babies came out needing oxygen lol.
-
What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Just do it. Don't psych yourself out or have a specific plan. Just go in with the mindset that it won't last forever, and have a great birth team to help you with positioning and comfort measures. You have to have knowledge of your own power and strength to do it, you absolutely cannot rely on others to do it for you. When you start looking to others to make the pain stop is when it hurts a million times worse.
