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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I knew I was going to go into labor the moment I told my in-laws that my husband and I would watch his young sister for them while the went to a dinner gathering! She arrived, we ate (taco salad- bad choice), and my husband's cousins decided to come over to spend time with us, too. I started having mild contractions, so the company was actually a wonderful distraction. In fact, we finished decorating my house for Christmas, which I considered a MUST before the baby arrived, and we wrapped the presents that I had made for my birthing team. My baby was so kind to wait for those tasks to be completed! My in-laws came back to pick up my sister-in-law, and as usual, we all sat around and spoke for about an hour. Unfortunately, I was finding myself less and less able to keep the contractions hidden. I didn't want anyone to know when I went into labor, as I didn't want people texting and calling and asking if the baby was "here yet" at any point. Once my in-laws left, the contractions became very strong, and were getting mighty close together. I knew labor had begun.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The lucky part about having a home birth is that unless you change your location, you have no choice but to go natural! The challenging aspect of my labor was its length (35 hours from start to finish with several rests throughout), coupled with my body's inability to keep down fluids. I had prepared lots of energy snacks and drinks for labor, yet I ended up only being able to eat crushed ice... just like at the hospital (oh, the irony)! The lack of control that I felt during Stage 1 of labor was gratefully left behind as my body told me to push. Pushing was incredible! After 35 hours of "intense waiting," I only pushed for 11 minutes before my precious girl entered the world. She sure knew what she was doing! Best of all? No perineal tearing!
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BirthofJanie65
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Honestly, the most helpful thing was knowing that I had in fact done everything I possibly could to prepare. I read books, I took Hypnobabies, I went to the chiropractor consistently, and I ate well (mostly!). I took uterine prepping tinctures (Gentle Birth is amazing), and I ate 6 dates per day from 35 weeks on! Knowing that the rest was up to God, my baby and my body was a relief. Having an amazingly supportive husband who trusted and believed in me was key, as was choosing the most incredible birth team.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I have been working as an apprentice to a Licensed Midwife for a year, and I worked as a doula before that. I am not new to birth. However, I am. There is no way to truly grasp the intensity, rhythm and meaning of labor until you are in its throes. And boy, you come out on the other side with the most incredible prize-- what a life-assuring experience!
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Prepare, plan, and by all means, if you're healthy and feel comfortable, have your baby at home! Interview all of the midwives in your area and pick the one you trust and connect with most. Know that if you need to go to the hospital, you can be transported. Why not try laboring at home first? Find ways to bond with your partner and prepare him, too.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Water was the greatest comfort by far. Truly, I cannot recommend it enough!
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I was on my knees in the birthing pool with my body leaned over the side, grabbing onto my husband. We had planned for him to catch the baby, but I ended up needing him much more for support as I pushed. Whoops! Maybe next time.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Finally, seeing the little human that I'd been talking to for months. Finally, feeling the soft, new skin of my child. Words will never do that moment justice. As she emerged, my midwife said in her always calm voice, "Okay, Katelyn. Reach down and grab your baby." All discomfort was gone, and in its wake... pure heaven. I pulled my girl out of the water and immediately began telling her what an amazing job she had done. She looked at me, completely alert, and waited for me to stop blubbering nonsense before she let out a beautiful "I'm here!" cry.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Prepare, plan, and by all means, if you're healthy and feel comfortable, have your baby at home! Interview all of the midwives in your area and pick the one you trust and connect with most. Know that if you need to go to the hospital, you can be transported. Why not try laboring at home first? Find ways to bond with your partner and prepare him, too.
Do it. Do it for the experience. Do it for the high. Do it for the initiation. Do it to prove to yourself that you will be the best mother for this child, because you will be.
** Explanation of picture: instead of cutting and clamping the cord, we chose to have a cord burning. I loved the idea because we could have the entire birth team participate. Everyone got a candle and took turns burning the cord until it detached. Of course, the burning allows for a clean, cauterized end. It does leave a longer cord stump than with the clamp, but if you apply a tiny amount of goldenseal about 24 hours later, it shrivels right up.
***Genevive, thank you for all that you do. I've kept up with your blog for several years as I've adopted a WAPF lifestyle. I love the friendliness and candidness of your information, and I'm so happy that you do what you do. I'm sure you've influenced and changed the lives of many!
