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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I went to bed the night before (about 9:30pm) with mild generalized cramping (I thought was Braxton Hicks) and low back pain. Over the next couple hours, the cramps became more individualized pains I could actually time, though no worse than a strong menstrual cramp. I couldn't sleep and was researching Braxton-Hicks versus signs of labor. My husband woke up around 2:30am and I still hadn't been asleep. I showed him the contractions I'd been timing via an app and we suspected it was "real"... even though I still doubted it all morning long since I was only 38 weeks with my first pregnancy!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Honestly, the actual labor was nothing like what I had prepared myself for. So I would say the most challenging was the prep- keeping a positive mental attitude about having a natural birth for the first time. Because the actual process was very doable.
I would also say the pushing was the most challenging. I never really felt a strong urge to push, just knew I SHOULD with contractions. The sensation of trying to push him out felt impossible, but I still did it within 50 minutes.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Prenatal yoga and Spinning Babies techniques to get him into optimal positioning; listening to relaxation meditations/birthing affirmations and practicing deep breathing; and listening to positive birth story podcasts constantly!
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What surprised you about your birth?
It wasn't as difficult as I had imagined. If I had not had a doula with me to tell me she thought it was time to go to the hospital, I would've probably had him at home because I kept waiting for it to get worse. I got to the hospital (only 10 minutes away) at 9.5 cms!
Also surprising was the fact I did not use water therapy or the "arsenal" of distraction/relaxation techniques I had planned on-- I was able to manage with simply deep breathing through each contraction, on my hands and knees.
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Stay active and be intentional about getting your baby into the right position. Talk to your baby, cultivate a relationship with him, and know that the end result is so worth the process.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
I rested on the couch in between contractions and when I felt one starting, would roll off into the floor on my hands and knees and begin deep breathing. My husband and doula knelt beside me and gave counter pressure and encouraging words or would simply be there for me and pray with me.
For several contractions I also went completely limp, hanging on my husbands outstretched arms... Then usually mid-contraction I would end up feeling the need to squat down into the floor. It was all very instinctual!
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What position did you end up delivering in?
The head of my bed elevated with my feet in stirrups but curling over my abdomen with each push.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Extreme relief. I said "He's here, he's here!" It was very surreal to feel him leaving my body and then his wet warm body on mine. Everything had went so well and I was so thankful.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Stay active and be intentional about getting your baby into the right position. Talk to your baby, cultivate a relationship with him, and know that the end result is so worth the process. Read "Natural Hospital Birth" and anything by Ina May Gaskin. Listen to positive birth stories. Take time every day to intentionally relax and deep breathe. Trust God and pray about the birth you want but realize that whatever happens is in His hands. Be at peace.