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When did you realize you were really in labor?
Labor technically started for me around 6 am on December 8th, I didn’t know I was truly in labor until I got to the hospital and they told me I was 4-5 cm dilated. My contractions were so jumbled up I went to the hospital just to see if it was real labor or Braxton Hicks.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
When I hit 8 cm and my water broke the contractions were full force and I had to get back in the bed. Also, The Ring Of Fire was the most painful part.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Researching, talking to other moms who had natural birth, having midwives as providers and going to centering group.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How quickly my labor went once I got to the hospital I had my son just a few hours later, I progressed much faster with this birth than my first because I got the epidural that time.
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Research, have a plan but know it may not work out that way, don’t be hard on yourself if you can’t take the pain especially if it’s your first.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
The hot shower was a life savor! I stayed in the shower until I was 8 cm the only reason I got out was because I started feeling hot and dehydrated.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I delivered sitting up in the hospital bed.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
I was crying hysterically. I felt so much relief and pure love when I held him.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Research, have a plan but know it may not work out that way, don’t be hard on yourself if you can’t take the pain especially if it’s your first. I had an epidural with my first and hated it so I thought I would give natural another try. I felt like I knew what to expect and powered through it this time around.
