-
When did you realize you were really in labor?
I realized that the real thing was happening day two of labor! Ha! The first night my contractions were 15 minutes apart and slowly disappeared into the morning hours. That following day they would come and go and I wondered if the real deal was on it's way or not...it was! At about 5pm they came back and stayed, weaving in and out from 5 minutes to 10 minutes between contractions with no normal pattern~ I called the midwives and they assured me I was in active labor and they were on their way!
-
What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
My biggest challenge was bringing my mind and body together for the most physically and mentally challenging thing that I've ever gone through, you can do all the preparing in the world but won't know how to arrive for yourself until your in it. I used deep meditation on the flower petals that were floating in my birthing tub and the constant touch from my husband kept me grounded.
-
image2
-
What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Our midwives were excellent in helping us prepare, they've been doing this for a long time and had lists of things we would need before and after birth. I also did a lot of reading and thinking of things that would be pleasurable to me in my labor and my after care such as, a massage oil for post labor, lavender, a bouquet of flowers, petals in the the birthing tub water, music, restorative tea afterwards.
-
What surprised you about your birth?
Honestly the feeling of my baby moving down the birth canal, the midwives had let me know that second babies tend to "just come down" while first babies are more pushed out, while I certainly did some pushing she was definitely on her way!
-
Your body was made for this, you are amazing and have all the strength inside waiting for you to release it~ allow your strength to come out! You won't regret the power and awe you will see in yourself.
-
What pain relief strategies worked best?
The touch of my husband and midwives, especially counter pressure on my lower back, walking around and being in different positions.
-
What position did you end up delivering in?
I delivered sitting in the birthing tub, holding my lower back with each contraction and my husbands hands on my upper back.
-
How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Amazing! I couldn't believe she was here! I totally felt in shock that I had done it and I was finally holding her!
-
What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Your body was made for this, you are amazing and have all the strength inside waiting for you to release it~ allow your strength to come out! You won't regret the power and awe you will see in yourself.
