-
When did you realize you were really in labor?
I’m a labor and delivery nurse and knew I was having contractions all day but I just kept walking through them and even went to work. I work night shifts 6:45 pm until 7:15 am. I clocked in around 6:39 for my shift. My contractions did hurt but I tried to not think about it. Finally after a short hour I got more intense pains and during my assessment with my patient I just felt very irritable because of the pain. I asked one of the residents to check me to see if I had changed any. (I was 3 cm in the office 2 days before). She said I was 5-6 cm with a bulging bag of water. I was in active labor.
-
What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging thing is getting through transition. It was so intense, fast, and painful. But my fiance and best friend were so supportive.
-
C23AD0A5-09F1-42DA-A129-EF05EE829B7A
-
What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I read Mama Natural articles every time I received one. I followed advice and even did the Labor Day tea for 3 days leading up and that day. I feel like it helped.
-
What surprised you about your birth?
How fast it was. From the time I clocked out at 7:49 pm, I was admitted at 8 pm and had her at 9:31 pm.
-
Our bodies were made for this and the recovery is amazing and fast after a natural delivery. I’ve had 4 babies, 2 natural and those were my best deliveries. You all got this mama. Put your faith and trust in God and your body. You’re an amazing woman bringing a beautiful life into this world.
-
What pain relief strategies worked best?
The labor tub was the only pain relief I had and I can honestly say it was amazing! The warm water seriously helped ease everything. I also did breathing and guided imagery during contractions and asked everyone to silence as I breathed through my contractions.
-
What position did you end up delivering in?
I ended up delivering on my back unfortunately but it was so intense I couldn’t get in all 4’s. But I wish I could’ve tried that position.
-
How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Amazing. I couldn’t believe how beautiful she was and she looked just like her brother. It’s amazing holding your baby and meeting the person you love before you even meet them.
-
What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Stick with it. You will get discouraged at times and might even break down and ask for pain relief, which in my opinion is OK. But you really have to be prepared physically and mentally to go natural. It’s scary but if you’re educated and have a great support system, you can get through this. Our bodies were made for this and the recovery is amazing and fast after a natural delivery. I’ve had 4 babies, 2 natural and those were my best deliveries. You all got this mama. Put your faith and trust in God and your body. You’re an amazing woman bringing a beautiful life into this world.
