-
When did you realize you were really in labor?
At 1:30am when I woke up to incredible back pain and realized I was having contractions.
-
What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I am not sure. Honestly I just kept thinking about how glad I was to be at home and not tethered to an IV or stuck laying down.
-
16487857_10211094325370836_2987925760893586509_o
-
What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Reading birth stories really helped, as well as various blog posts about managing the pain. I also think all of the things I added into my diet that were supposed to shorten labor (like red raspberry leaf tea and dates) really helped because 40+ hour labors are standard in my family and mine was only 16!
-
What surprised you about your birth?
How large the baby was when he came out. I mean, he was only 6lbs, but I just couldn't believe something that big had been inside of me, or that I had just pushed it out!
-
I tried to focus on two things during contractions: Relaxing my hands, and that I can endure any amount of pain for a minute.
-
What pain relief strategies worked best?
Standing, swaying, having someone lift up on my hips, but most of all the water. Everything was less painful once I got in the pool. (Which I did at 8cm.)
-
What position did you end up delivering in?
Reclining against the side of the birth pool with my feet on the opposite edge.
-
How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Amazing! And slightly startling. I was not really anticipating the end result, just focusing on getting through the labor.
-
What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
If at all possible, do a water birth. Also, I tried to focus on two things during contractions: Relaxing my hands, and that I can endure any amount of pain for a minute.
