-
When did you realize you were really in labor?
I was in early labor for two days. My contractions started off about 30-45 minutes apart and then got to about 10 minutes apart. The doctor told me to wait until they were closer together so.... I didn't realize I was REALLY in labor until I got to the hospital and could no longer take the pain. They told me I was 9 cm dilated and rushed me to the delivery room when my amniotic sac started trying to make its appearance.
-
What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging part about going natural was having my baby at the hospital. They didn't want to hear or abide by my requests at all.
-
image1
-
What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I think KEGELS really prepared me for the birth. I did them every single day. My biggest fear was my vagina ripping so I made sure not to miss a day.
-
What surprised you about your birth?
I was surprised by how quickly it was over. I got to the hospital at midnight and the baby was delivered at 1:14 am. It only took 6 pushes total and he was out! the first two pushes, I was still scared of ripping my vagina so I barely pushed.
-
Believe in your abilities as a woman to deliver the baby as easily as your body grew your baby! Listen to your body, not to all the women and men trying to convince you to get an epidural. Also, do your best to find a hospital or midwife who will listen to your requests.
-
What pain relief strategies worked best?
OMG- by the time the contractions made it to my lower back, I was no longer taking the pain well. It actually started targeting my rectum and I could literally feel the pain in my butt. The only thing that kind of helped was my mom rubbing my lower back during my contractions.
-
What position did you end up delivering in?
Unfortunately, on my back and legs up. I told them over and over I wanted to deliver on all fours and the nurses looked at each other as if I requested something outlandish. They said "I know it might be easier for you but it won't be easier for the baby".
-
How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
I'm not going to lie, I'm one of those people with a fixed mindset and I was a little disappointed about the nurses screaming at me to push as if I were in boot camp. When I first held my baby, I was happy it was all over but irritated about how it happened. My mom had to remind me to be grateful for a healthy baby and I snapped back to reality. It was amazing to feel him breastfeed like a pro his first hour of life.
-
What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Believe in your abilities as a woman to deliver the baby as easily as your body grew your baby! Listen to your body, not to all the women and men trying to convince you to get an epidural. Also, do your best to find a hospital or midwife who will listen to your requests.
