-
When did you realize you were really in labor?
I was 39.5 weeks and all day I had been having pretty strong Braxton Hicks style contractions, but they weren't regular. That afternoon we took my daughter (age 2.5) to the horse arena, since horses are her favorite and it would help us pass the time. We met the most gentle, caring horse named Legs, who kept nuzzling my belly like he know something was going on (and my mom got the sweetest picture of me and the horse), all the while I was timing my contractions to see if they were progressing. At 5pm I was getting too uncomfortable and had to stop talking during the contractions. They were definitely getting more intense, but still not regular. I told my family I needed to get home. At home I was in the bathroom where I threw up and had some bloody show, and that's when I knew things were really happening. I started crying because I was excited that I was going to have this baby soon!
-
What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Figuring out when to go to the hospital. I had been worried about getting to the hospital too soon (since I knew that the longer I was in the hospital the more likely interventions would happen) and my husband was worried about getting there too late. So while I was laboring in the bathroom he called the L & D nurse who once she found out that I didn't want an epidural and lived 5 minutes from the hospital she told my husband, "Wait until she feels the urge to push, then drive her in."!!!! Well, I knew I didn't want to wait that long!! It was about 7:15 and even though my contractions were still all over the place (1-2 minutes, 5 minutes, 3 minutes) they were getting stronger and longer, so I decided to go to the hospital. I was 7cm dilated. We were in our hospital room by 7:30pm and our son was born at 10:00pm. It was also challenging once I got to the hospital because the nurses really wanted me to have an IV. I had to (politely) say no and ask to wait until I really needed it (which I never needed it). By the time the third nurse tried to convince me to get an IV, I was starting to second guess my choice (It makes me a little nervous to go against the medical professionals) and I think if we had hired a doula she would have really been helpful in this area. But, by the time we got to our room and met our midwife (our hospital has a team of midwives so you don't know who is on call until you arrive), our midwife assured my husband that she didn't think I would need an IV. Now looking back, I'm really glad I stuck to my decision and said No to the IV.
-
IMG_0756
-
What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Three years ago with my first child, my husband and I took a Bradley workshop and I took the Beautiful Babies course; both of which gave me a great foundation even though with my first child I had to be induced on Pitocin for low amniotic fluid and ended up with an epidural (those Pitocin contractions were no joke!!). This time around I re-read the book Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way, re-watched the Business of Being Born and read and watched all the Mama Natural articles I could find about childbirth! I prayed a lot that God would give me strength to see what my body could do, and that He created my body for this purpose. I was very determined this time around to have a non-medicated birth if at all possible given baby's health and my health allowed it.
-
What surprised you about your birth?
The contractions surprised me! First, the "natural" contractions were not as painful as I was expecting! I was also surprised they were so varied in length. I guess not everything can go by the textbook! Also, I never really felt the urge to push. I found out afterward that our son was facing up (instead of down like normal) so the hardest part of his skull was hitting my tailbone. Once I got to the pushing stage, it was like hitting a wall. I remember with my daughter, I enjoyed pushing and it felt almost good compared to the contractions. Not this time. Each push was excruciating; I didn't think I could do it, and wanted it to stop. My midwife had me push on my hands and knees, she knew that gravity would help since he was facing the wrong way, but it was still much more painful than any of the contractions. But, I pushed for 40 minutes and my son was out! Our bond was instant. It was even more fulfilling than I imagined to be able to say I went natural! No Pit, no Epidural, not even an IV!!! I did it!
-
Do your homework. My midwife complimented us on being prepared. She said many couples want to have a non-medicated birth, but aren't prepared for it. Hire a doula (I still wish I could have had a doula). Don't feel guilty if you have to have interventions for your health or health of the baby, sometimes it's not reality and that's ok. Also, don't be embarrassed to carry your large exercise ball from the parking lot up to the Labor and Delivery floor, I ended up really using mine!
-
What pain relief strategies worked best?
Breathing through the pain. Closing my eyes and imagining a tunnel that would get really dark when the contraction became intense, then coming out of the tunnel when it subsided. I got really focused internally and wanted a dark room. I don't think I opened my eyes but a few times once we got to the hospital because I was so inwardly focused. My husband rubbed my back and applied counter pressure. I sat on my exercise ball, which helped me relax in between contractions. I hugged a pillow. I groaned a lot and said "Oh" in a low tone. I sat on the hard floor because I felt like I could relax down into the floor during the intense contractions.
-
What position did you end up delivering in?
On my hands and knees.
-
How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It was so amazing! I kept saying, "I did it! I did it!". I had an instant bond with my son. I am so proud to say I accomplished giving birth naturally.
-
What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Do your homework. My midwife complimented us on being prepared. She said many couples want to have a non-medicated birth, but aren't prepared for it. Hire a doula (I still wish I could have had a doula). Don't feel guilty if you have to have interventions for your health or health of the baby, sometimes it's not reality and that's ok. Also, don't be embarrassed to carry your large exercise ball from the parking lot up to the Labor and Delivery floor, I ended up really using mine!
