-
When did you realize you were really in labor?
I was up all night with contractions that were getting closer together. The next morning the contractions slower for a while but then got much more intense and regular.
-
What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Mentally not knowing how much longer I would be in labor and dealing with the pain.
-
What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I made a music playlist of some of my favorite songs that I listened to the night when I was in labor that helped me keep my mind off of the pain somewhat. Also, for my first birth, my husband and I took a birthing class where they went over some techniques to help with pain. During this labor (second child), I had mostly back labor. One of the things we learned in the class was for your partner to compress your hips to help with this type of labor pain, and that was the only thing that seemed to help minimize the pain somewhat during the most intense part of labor.
-
What surprised you about your birth?
The intensity of it all and sepcifically the intense feeling of relief and joy once the baby arrived. I honestly was also a little bit surprised (and proud) that I actually did it naturally!
-
Make sure your partner or anyone else that will be with you know what you want and what things are most important to you, so that they are able to advocate for you during labor. Talk positively to yourself during and ask that your partner does also. Surround yourself with as much positivity as possible and pray a lot!
-
What pain relief strategies worked best?
Hip compression, walking around, using an exercise ball to lay over and bounce on, laboring on all fours
-
What position did you end up delivering in?
On my back, but I labored on all fours during the most intense labor pains, which helped a lot
-
How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
SO joyful! There is nothing like that feeling!
-
What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Make sure your partner or anyone else that will be with you know what you want and what things are most important to you, so that they are able to advocate for you during labor. Talk positively to yourself during and ask that your partner does also. Surround yourself with as much positivity as possible and pray a lot!