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When did you realize you were really in labor?
At 3am I could no longer sleep through my contractions, and I was pretty certain my water broke and was leaking.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The hardest part about a natural birth for me was the mental component. I ended up with an epidural after 34 hours of active labor with my first daughter. I was convinced I was going to have a long labor again, so I almost gave up when the pain got really intense at transition, but it was too late.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I stayed physically active this pregnancy as I was chasing after 16 month old.
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What surprised you about your birth?
This birth was so quick in comparison to my first, especially how long I pushed for. I pushed for 4.5 hours wit my first, and only 5 minutes with this birth!
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I am a big believer in doing what feels right. You will know what your body needs. Don't be upset with yourself if you end up needing pain medication, it doesn't mean what you did was any less amazing. Every delivery is different, so you can be natural even if another one is not.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
I spent most of my labor in the shower and tub, and My husband applied counter pressure. The counter pressure was very helpful!
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I was on my hands and knees facing the end of the table.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It was hard to want to hold her to be honest. The doctor would not let me hold her unless I laid down. It was very pain full to lay on my back, so I was tore between holding my baby and the pain of laying down.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
I am a big believer in doing what feels right. You will know what your body needs. Don't be upset with yourself if you end up needing pain medication, it doesn't mean what you did was any less amazing. Every delivery is different, so you can be natural even if another one is not.
