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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I actually ended up being induced because of complications with my blood pressure, so at 40 +3 we went into the hospital to get things started.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I did not end up being able to have the totally natural birth I'd been hoping for - I was induced, and after 10 hours of Pitocin fueled contractions with no pain meds I spiked a fever and had to have an emergency c-section. For me, the hardest part was staying calm when the plan changed and knowing that I was doing what was best for my baby.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Taking the Mama Natural class and reading or listening to tons and tons of birth stories so that I was aware of all of the possible outcomes. This really came in handy when our plans did have to change and I was really well informed.
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What surprised you about your birth?
So many things! In the end I was proud of myself for staying calm throughout the whole process, even when they took us into the OR.
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The most helpful thing from the course was the BRAIN method for evaluating potential interventions. Since we ended up needing so many interventions we used this technique a lot - and it helped me and my partner feel more empowered in our experience.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Turns out I handle pain internally, so what worked best for me was focusing on my breathing and reciting my birth affirmations in my head.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
C-section.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Because of my fever and the pain meds for my c-section I was shaking really badly. I was so afraid to hold my baby because I thought I would drop her. My mom finally convinced me that it would be ok, and the minute she put her in my arms my heart melted.
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How did the Mama Natural Birth Class help you in your childbirth?
The most helpful thing from the course was the BRAIN method for evaluating potential interventions. Since we ended up needing so many interventions we used this technique a lot - and it helped me and my partner feel more empowered in our experience.
