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When did you realize you were really in labor?
When I had to stop talking entirely to get through the contractions.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The hardest thing was not feeling like I failed for not going 100% natural as I had planned but realizing that for me I needed the additional rest that the epidural provided.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Hiring my doula. I honestly couldn't have gotten through as much as I did without her
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What surprised you about your birth?
We planned a natural home birth but while in labor my midwife noticed that my cervix was very swollen on one side. After 24 hours of active labor--pushing, maneuvering, etc my cervix was just not cooperating despite being fully dialated. I was severely dehydrated and couldn't even keep a sip of water down. We decided that transferring to the hospital for fluids and an epidural was the best option to keep me from having to get a c-section. After about 12 hours I was able to start pushing again and in less than 30 minutes she was born. I never dreamed that I would have had to transfer and I'm still a bit upset that my body didn't cooperate the way I thought it would.
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Don't get a pap done while you're pregnant. My OB did one very early in my pregnancy and we believe that is the reason I struggled with the swelling.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Low moaning worked well for me. I still hurt but just knowing the contractions would end helped keep me more focused.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On my back due to the epidural.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Like the world was in my hands. I couldn't believe how big she was and that I made something so perfect in my own body.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Don't get a pap done while you're pregnant. My OB did one very early in my pregnancy and we believe that is the reason I struggled with the swelling.
