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When did you realize you were really in labor?
About 2 hours after I awoke that day. I realized that what I thought were Braxton Hicks contractions were actually the real deal because they were coming in time-able 15 minute increments.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Keeping everybody in the hospital on track with all my natural requests. I had twins and I felt like I had to convince a lot of people of my natural capability to give birth to two babies effectively and safely.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
To read Ina May's Guide to Childbirth, by Ina May Gaskin. Best text on natural birth, in my opinion!
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What surprised you about your birth?
How shocked everyone was with the ease of my twins' births and my subsequent recovery. I kept thinking, "Of course I am fine. I didn't have a lot of man-made intervention to bounce back from." I was fortunate that my babies' presentations allowed for the birth I had envisioned.
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Go for it! Do whatever you feel is right for you. Don't feel bullied by what might be your hospital's normal practices.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Mindful breath, aromatherapy of lavender essential oils, acceptance and non-resistance to the rushes (contractions) that I experienced. Mostly just having full faith in the process.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Lying back, feet in stirrups. It wasn't a self-elected position, but it ended up working out great: I got to catch baby B, my daughter, and it was the most fulfilling, amazing experience ever!
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Awesome, surreal, heavenly...times two!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Go for it! Do whatever you feel is right for you. Don't feel bullied by what might be your hospital's normal practices. Find a doctor, midwife, doula, etc. who will advocate for you unwaveringly so you don't feel alone in your birth plan--strength in numbers! Most importantly, don't put too much pressure on yourself to stick to some script you've imagined in your head. Things can change quickly in some cases so you need to remember the TRUE goal: healthy, happy mama, and healthy, happy baby!
