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When did you realize you were really in labor?
My Water broke and I began to have contractions.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Birthing in a hospital. Nurses and hospital not completely able to support a natural birth or my decisions to be as natural as possible. They are not really equipped to respect natural birthing. Dealing with the pain during transition.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I read "Birthing from within." Hired a Doula and discussed the plan with husband and thought a lot about what I wanted. Having a birth plan. A great OB recommended by the birthing center community.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I was surprised my water didn't completely break and that through my birth plan for a loop. I was then put on a time limit and at risk for infection. That stressed me out. Most importantly I was surprised I had the natural birth I planned for and how wild it was.
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Trust your body. Don't give into to the pressures and the fears. Read and explore. You can do it.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Walking, sitting in the ball, swaying, any type of movement, hot showers, and hip squeeze. Listening to music zoning out.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I tried a lot of positions but end up holding my legs back on my back. That wasn't my plan but it was what worked and that was okay with me.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It felt amazing to finally hold him and that he was perfect and safe. The culmination of all the fears and worries were give because the discomfort were gone. He was perfect and worth it.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Trust your body. Don't give into to the pressures and the fears. Read and explore. You can do it. If your plan is to go natural, it's possible to have an unmedicated hospital birth, birth center, or home birth. The perfect birthing experience will be the one where you are completely comfortable with the outcome. Cesearan or vaginal, medicated or unmedicated it's your birth!
