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When did you realize you were really in labor?
My story is a bit unique, which is why I want to share it. If I can help another woman take control and see that she might not be following a typical labor, I'd love to! I was getting strong contractions that would get closer together and more intense throughout the weekend, but they would disappear as soon as I stood up. They only got intense sitting or laying down on my side. Everyone I talked to insisted it was Braxton Hicks and not the real thing. Something was different though, and I really felt in my gut it was real labor, but it was stalling. I did some searching on Spinningbabies and some reading of birth stories and came across a few similarities to what I was going through. A few women had written of their baby being in position only when sitting, but slipping out of position when standing. I really felt this was my baby too. Spinning Babies suggested for stalled labor, or slight malpositioning, to try and abdominal lift and tuck. This gets the baby's head in a better position in the pelvis to keep contractions moving. That afternoon, I started to feel the contractions while sitting on the birthing ball. So when I felt the contraction, I stood up and lifted my belling up and in, held it through the contraction and then sat back down. I did this through 5 contractions at 8-10 min apart. I decided to stand and walk and see what would happen, as normally they would go away. They did NOT go away an were within 2-5 min within the first hour! That is when I knew I was in labor, the contractions didn't go away when I stood and I had helped the baby move into a better position. I should also mention that I was 10 days late, and there is some suggestions that late babies are just waiting to get into the right position. Who knows, but that's what worked for me!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
This was my 3rd try at going natural. I had an epidural and c section with my first, and then an epidural right at the end with my VBAC (2nd child) and then I finally made it naturally with the 2nd vbac (3rd child). The most challenging part is being strong mentally and having a plan for focus. The pain is there, there is not a lot to make the pain less. I needed to focus on the thoughts of one contraction at a time. Focus on relaxing my body and breathing through each contraction. When I felt like I couldn't do it anymore, I really needed that mental strength to tell me to keep going.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Ask others' what helped them the most during labor. I got suggestions of relaxing my entire body, especially my bottom, which I had never thought of! I was told when I think I can't take it anymore, I'm probably entering transition and super close, so keep going. I practiced my breathing and focus and relaxing during all my braxton hicks contractions, even though they weren't painful. This allowed me to breathe as a second nature when I was in labor.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I did not feel the "ring of fire" as so many had told me about! Pushing her out was uncomfortable, but it was not painful. Very hard to explain, but I was expecting a lot more pain and discomfort during the pushing phase.
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Make sure you are strong mentally and have a plan to keep focused and mind over pain!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
I put a few drops of Young Living essential oils (Valor and Clary Sage) on a cloth and would inhale with every contraction. This really did help me relax and ease a bit of the intensity. I found a position that allowed me to relax my muscles and breathe through the contractions. This was either with my back against the wall in almost a wall sit or standing over the bed with my knees a bit bent leaning on my hands/ arms and relaxing my lower body.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I delivered laying in the bed
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Amazing! They put her on me directly after I pushed her out and I was able to hold her for an hour before they took her for weight and measurements.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Make sure you are strong mentally and have a plan to keep focused and mind over pain! If this is your first, hire a doula, a good one that encourages you to keep breathing and reminds you to relax and that you can do it :) My doula for my first birth was amazing not only for me, but for helping my husband to be able to cope with my pain and help.
