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When did you realize you were really in labor?
Because I had been having such intense Braxton Hicks for so long, it was difficult to determine if I was actually in labor. Once I started timing my contractions and realized they were happening every 3-4 minutes and lasting about a minute long, it registered that this was it!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Deciding to have a natural birth requires so much mental, emotional and spiritual preparation! Although I had already had a beautiful, natural birth with my son three years prior, I still had to do the work to get myself in the right space, that would allow me full access to the strength and ability God has equipped me with to complete such a feat!
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I was (foolishly) convinced that I would deliver a week or so early..so when I didn't, I had that week leading up to the birth to engage in really intentional preparation, since the birth was the only thing on my mind! The most important steps of preparation included identifying any fears and anxieties I had in regard to labor, having two children, and being momma to a little girl. After acknowledging and accepting those fears, I had to process how to release them and replace them with courage and confidence in who I am created to be as a woman and momma. This required intentional time of reflection, prayer and stillness.
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What surprised you about your birth?
This time around I was able to be much more present and aware throughout labor, even during transition and pushing. It was exhilarating, and a bit overwhelming, to recognize the stages of labor I was in, what my body and my baby's body was doing, and what was coming next. This is something I had hoped and prayed for with this pregnancy, that I might be able to embrace every moment of labor and birth.
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Recognize the ability you innately have as a woman and allow that to empower you to push through pain, discomfort and fear. Also, know that your body will perform much more as it should if you are able to relax and find peace. A fearful and anxious body will tense up and increase the pain of the contractions.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Prayer, music, movement, essential oils the birthing ball and my incredible doula/sister applying pressure to my back and hips.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On my hands and knees, rear in the air :)
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
That's a truly indescribable feeling. Love, relief, awe, joy and exhaustion all wrapped into one.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
It's so much about mental strength! Recognize the ability you innately have as a woman and allow that to empower you to push through pain, discomfort and fear. Also, know that your body will perform much more as it should if you are able to relax and find peace. A fearful and anxious body will tense up and increase the pain of the contractions. A body that welcomes each contraction can operate as it was meant to and progress in moving your baby out with less pain and resistance.
