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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I'd been 'uncomfortable' all day. Then at 1am the contractions were strong enough to wake me up. After two hours of them getting consistently stronger and closer I knew it was the real deal.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I had piggy-back contractions for the last two hours before pushing. So the constant tension and pain without any let up was pretty hard.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
The only preparation I did was read Ina May Gaskin's 'Guide to Childbirth.' Reading the positive birth stories and her encouraging words helped me to know my body was made to do this & I could do it naturally.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How fast it was. I was only in active (painful) labor for 9 hours - started at 1am and he was born at 9:59. Only 30min of pushing
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You can do it. Your body was made to do this. Don't fight the contractions embrace them work with them and trust yourself.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Because the doctor was concerned about a prolapsed cord (the sac was 'bulging') I was not allowed to get up and walk around. So my main method of pain management was holding my husband's hand and breathing.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I ended up being in the standard bed position somewhat on my back and bearing down.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It was real. I had just spent all this time waiting and expecting and then he was there. I was just overwhelmed with every emotion.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
You can do it. Your body was made to do this. Don't fight the contractions embrace them work with them and trust yourself.
