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When did you realize you were really in labor?
When I woke up in the morning I began timing my "uncomfortable pain" and was shocked to see that my contractions were only 2-3 minutes apart! That's when I realized I was in labor!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The pain! Lol! I had an unmedicated VBAC so I had mentally prepared myself for the pain as best I could and remembered to just take it one contraction at a time.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Research and read everything I could about VBAC's, tips to get through the pain and hiring a doula. I also stayed very active (walking mostly) so my body would be as ready as it could be for labor.
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What surprised you about your birth?
Well personally, I was just surprised that I did it honestly. With my first born I labored for 24 hours, pushed for 3 and the doctors told me she "wouldn't fit."
So when my second daughter made her way through my birth canal this time, I was just surprised we did it! Because no matter how hopeful and positive you are, in the midst of the pain there's always that thought, what if I can't.. But I did! And it was the best feeling ever!
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Labor at home as long as you can. Get in the shower and let the warm water hit your lower back. Take deep breaths and use deep low moans to get through contractions. Vision the contractions helping to move your baby down and try not to think about how long it's taking. Take it one contraction at a time and try to rest a bit in between.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
My labor was so fast (woke up at 5:30 am and had her at 10:34 am) that there wasn't much time for pain relief. But the shower was wonderful and just leaning my upper body slumped over something during a contraction is what worked best for me.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Side/back laying
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Amazing! I couldn't believe it just happened, completely natural, exactly how I wanted it.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Labor at home as long as you can. Get in the shower and let the warm water hit your lower back. Take deep breaths and use deep low moans to get through contractions. Vision the contractions helping to move your baby down and try not to think about how long it's taking. Take it one contraction at a time and try to rest a bit in between.
