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When did you realize you were really in labor?
A strong "real" contraction woke me up early in the morning and I kept waiting for another one until, half an hour later, our 21 mo. old woke up. When I got out of bed to check on him my water broke.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
With this labor (#3) it was transition. I didn't know that's what was going on in the moment, but that's when I started telling my husband I couldn't do this. Good thing it's the shortest phase of labor!
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I re-watched a video on breathing techniques and labor positions and hag my husband watch it also. I'd already watched it before our previous child was born, but the refresher was important.
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What surprised you about your birth?
It was quick and uncomplicated! Both our other children had extenuating circumstances that made labor harder or more stressful. When that is your "norm" to have a very different experience was amazing!
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Make a plan. Make sure whoever will be with you during labor knows it and is a good advocate. Most of all, try not to worry! There will be things you don't expect, plans will get changed, but your body was made to do this! It won't be easy, but it will be worth it.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Rocking side to side on an exercise ball, light massage and an unconventional focal point. I tried a picture, but that didn't work at all for me. What did work was my hospital wrist band. Letters and numbers upside down. When I made my brain work hard to read them upside down and backward it distracted me from the intensity of the contraction. Just you try "ahee ahee ahoo" while reading upside down and backward! : )
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On my back. Not what I planned on, but ended up being a non-issue.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Pure joy and relief! At first I don't know if I was happier that I was holding my baby or that labor was over!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Make a plan. Make sure whoever will be with you during labor knows it and is a good advocate. Most of all, try not to worry! There will be things you don't expect, plans will get changed, but your body was made to do this! It won't be easy, but it will be worth it.
