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When did you realize you were really in labor?
My water broke at 9:30 am but contractions did not. We knew we had to beat the clock and get them going but we knew we needed to labor at home as long as possible. Thanks to help and guidance from my doula, we got them going and steady at 7 pm. Around 11 I knew we were serious cause my mood completely changed and I could barely talk. We loaded up the car to head to the hospital. By the time we got there, I was 5 cm dilated and 90% effaced. It was go time!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I thought the most challenging thing would be hospital staff. I assumed they would interfere and push drugs and interventions on us. Luckily that was not the case for us cause ours were amazing. The most difficult thing for me was getting my contractions started naturally. We knew that after my water broke, that the baby needed to be out in 24 hours. Otherwise, inductions and other interventions were possible. To avoid that, I did everything possible naturally: nipple stimulation, lunging, squats, inversions, walking. It took 10 hours to get steady, progressive contractions and luckily, I delivered with 3 1/2 hours to spare!
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
My husband and I took doula taught birthing classes. We loved them and her so much that we hired her to be our doula. Best decision we ever made.
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What surprised you about your birth?
The pain was truly temporary. It practically disappeared the moment my daughter was born. I look back now and I have no bad memories. It was definitely hard and painful at the time but it was manageable. I actually look back on the labor fondly and relish in hearing my husband tell the details of that night.
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The pain was truly temporary. It practically disappeared the moment my daughter was born. I look back now and I have no bad memories. It was definitely hard and painful at the time but it was manageable.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
My doula helped me with a lot of visualization. I labored a lot leaning on a birth ball. While my husband massaged my shoulders, she was doing the double hip squeeze. They worked together with my contractions. I also labored in the shower a lot and spent the transition stage in there.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I ended up delivering on my back. As much as I wanted to deliver squatting, once they got me back to the bed to check my progress, I couldn't move. It worked out for me with an hour of pushing and no tears thankfully.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Surreal. It was the best natural high. I couldn't stop smiling. I thanked her for working with me and laboring with me. I fell in love all over again with her in that moment.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Prepare your body. Stay active if you can. Go see a chiropractor, they can help prepare your pelvis and give your little one more room to get into optimum positioning. And most importantly, hire a doula! We couldn't have done it without one.
