-
When did you realize you were really in labor?
I had an induction, so it wasn't a surprise or anything that I was going into labor when I did. However, I think it sank in for me that I was going to have a baby very soon when during contractions I visualized baby moving down.
-
What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Transition!! It was exactly like I had heard, short, but the most intense part of labor. It lasted about 30min for me but was by far the most challenging part. For every minute of it I wanted an escape. Our Doula and my wife helped me through it though, and I'm so glad that I persevered and didn't use any pain medications.
-
IMG_20161027_185441
-
What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I read Ina May's Guide to Childbirth in the last few days before my induction. It helped me get into a really good headspace and provided me lots of information as well! Also, hiring a Doula!!
-
What surprised you about your birth?
How instinctual it was to push. Once I reached that point, I didn't need anyone to tell me I was fully dialated, when or how to push. I just knew! It was just amazing to me that my body knew how to do this thing that I thought I had no idea how to do!
-
Educate yourself! Read Ina May's Guide to Childbirth, do prenatal yoga, hire a Doula.
-
What pain relief strategies worked best?
Vocalizing a low moan and visualizing the baby moving down. Our Doula helped me with this, when she arrived I was almost screaming and she helped me gain control of my voice. It's amazing how something so simple helped so much. Also she applied counter pressure to my lower back during contractions, which provided some relief
-
What position did you end up delivering in?
Squatting, and I caught my own baby! The midwife and Doula set up a squat bar for me over the hospital bed and I used this to support myself. Between pushes I'd sit back and rest for a minute, then pull myself back up to squatting with the bar. When the baby came, the midwife let me be the one to catch her.
-
How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Words truly cannot even come close to describing how it felt. Awe, amazement, love, joy, bliss, come close to describing it though.
-
What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Educate yourself! Read Ina May's Guide to Childbirth, do prenatal yoga, hire a Doula.
