-
When did you realize you were really in labor?
I had to be induced due to hypertension and gestational diabetes. Thankfully, my body was already progressing quite smoothly when induction started, I was already dilated to a 5!
-
What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I think the hardest thing for me was mentally, I knew the physical was tough but I also knew that pitocin makes contractions much more "intense", and that was a big mental hurdle I had to overcome very quickly.
-
IMG_2089
-
What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
This being my second labor was a huge benefit, I was so scared first go around... I knew I COULD do it, and just needed to push through. Also, having a doula was so helpful and my husband being there, plus reviewing birth boot camp material.
-
What surprised you about your birth?
How much quickly everything went was a big surprise! On a physical level, I was pretty nervous about experiencing "the ring of fire" that you hear so much about, when the labor reached that point I embraced everything and pushed my sweet baby girl into this world. Instead of being fearful of the pain, I was relieved to know I was about to meet my daughter and that gave me the strength to finish. It was probably my favorite part of delivery besides actually meeting my baby girl.
-
Surround yourself with people who love you, be vocal, research, know that you CAN do it, but also emergency interventions don't make you less. Each labor is different, embrace your story.
-
What pain relief strategies worked best?
My doula is also a massage therapist, big help!! Speaking out any fears I had, trying to be honest but still loving those there to love and support me.
-
What position did you end up delivering in?
I was in a birthing tub, I must have changed positions 1000 times, but the final was sitting with my feet pushing on the tub wall and pulling against my husband with my arms.
-
How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
No words can describe it. My first daughter, the euphoria that came from the natural birth (the last few hours I was off of pitocin!)
-
What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Surround yourself with people who love you, be vocal, research, know that you CAN do it, but also emergency interventions don't make you less. Each labor is different, embrace your story.
