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When did you realize you were really in labor?
My midwife actually had to tell me I was in labor. I had a scheduled NST at my 41 weeks check and was having regular strong contractions according to the monitor but I wasn't feeling them. She did a cervical check and told me I was having a baby that day. I was 5cm but could be stretched to 6.5. She did a membrane sweep and sent me off to the hospital, and I was 7cm by the time I got there. I still wasn't feeling anything. We chose to have my water broke after much discussion about it, and that's when I started feeling the contractions but they never did er very strong. My son was born 40 minutes later in the water, 12 minutes after getting in the tub.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Honestly, there really wasn't anything g challenging. While I wasn't in a lot of pain, probably the way the contractions reactions made it difficult to move after my water was broke.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Having my doula, having an amazing midwife and team at the office and at the hospital, and lots of reading.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How little pain I was actually in.
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Don't be afraid of it, embrace it.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
The water was all I used because I really wasn't in a lot of pain. My doula says I naturally did hypnobirthing without realizing I did it.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I was leaning forward with my arms on a little seat in the birthing tub, on my knees.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Amazing! I kept saying "I can't believe I did it" and was so excited.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Don't be afraid of it, embrace it.
