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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I had been have pre-labor contractions for months! Months! As frequent as 4 minutes apart, and even fairly intense, with the Texas heat, youth football, and 5 boys to make them all the more fun! So as I went to bed that night I was alarmed by my contractions because well I had been having them for so long anyway..but what alerted me to labor was when my water broke, in bed, on my new sheets, so I jumped up out of bed, and texted the Midwife at 1 a.m.!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging thing for me, with all of my pregnancies, has been the back labor. I have some previous back injuries that make it difficult for me. But when I made the decision to go all natural this time around, I did it because I wanted a better experience. With the help of a great Chiropractor, a tub, essential oils, the tennis ball counter-pressure tool, my lovely husband, and being allowed to try any position I wanted, it was not nearly as rough as my first two births.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I think being able to visit my chiropractor, to get me through the aches and pains of this pregnancy was a tremendous help! Other than that, all of the natural herbs and supplements I added to my daily regimen made me feel so much better!
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What surprised you about your birth?
With this being my third birth, and having Pre-K labor contractions so early, we really thought he would come early, but he actually came 12 days late.
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Do it! Find your support system! People who love you, and will be there to encourage you when you doubt yourself.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
As far as back labor goes, which is what's worst for me, the tub was great, Hands and knees helped a lot, the essential oils were incredible, but the only thing that helped take the pressure off my back when contractions peaked and it came time to push, was to be on my feet, leaning on my husband.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I had spent the majority of labor on my knees, so I was utterly exhausted by the time I was really ready to push. I ended up just laying down wanting to rest, but when the next contraction came on, it hurt so much worse, so I got out of bed to stand on my feet, to relieve the pressure of back labor. As soon as I got on my feet I had about 3 contractions back to back, and then pushed. I was on my feet, arms around my husbands neck, screaming in his ear! It was an incredible experience!
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Well, because I delivered on my feet, I was actually able to catch my son myself. After all the time of having Baby Fever, to getting pregnant, and what turned out to be my longest, roughest pregnancy, I was so over-joyed to have finally delivered my sweet little angel baby that I couldn't stop saying, "He's here! He's finally here!"
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Do it! Find your support system! People who love you, and will be there to encourage you when you doubt yourself. Seek as much wisdom and knowledge as you can get your hands on. And ignore all the funny looks and questions you'll get when you tell people about your plan! God created your body perfectly! You can do this Mama!!
