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When did you realize you were really in labor?
Even though my water broke early that morning, I realized I was in labor when I started feeling contractions. They felt like strong cramps, and I was able to time them, unlike Braxton Hicks.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging thing for me was probably the exhaustion. After my midwife performed the membrane sweep to help speed up labor since my water had already broken, it was not very long before I started having contractions more than a minute long every 3-4 minutes. It was difficult to rest.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Taking Mama Natural Birth Course was the most helpful when it came to preparing for childbirth. During my labor and delivery, I remembered what I had learned about making decisions, emotions I might feel, and even sensations during labor and birth. I knew what I was experiencing was normal.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I was surprised by my strength. Even though I pushed for 47 minutes, there was a moment that I told myself that I was going to have my baby with my next contraction. I rested, and when the next contraction came, I took a deep breath and pushed through the pain. My baby's head and body came out, and he was placed on my chest. I have never felt more proud than that moment.
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If you are a mama that would like to go natural, I would definitely recommend taking the Mama Natural Birth Course. Learn as much as you can and plan your dream birth. My husband and I now have a beautiful baby boy, and a birth story I love to share. Good luck, mama. You are strong, and you can do it!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
The birth pool was my best friend. It relieved pressure, and I was more comfortable. I also breathed deeply and tried to keep a low tone, which became more difficult as labor progressed, but it definitely helped.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
I honestly felt a little distracted because I was uncomfortable. Once my tear had been stitched and I was able to nurse my son, that's when I felt we bonded the most.
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What did you name your baby, and why?
My husband and I named our son Judah because Judah means praise.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
If you are a mama that would like to go natural, I would definitely recommend taking the Mama Natural Birth Course. Learn as much as you can and plan your dream birth. Even though plans may change if complications arise, it is so important that you and your birth team are on the same page. Make sure you are comfortable with your birth team; my midwife and midwife's assistant were so loving and patient with me as a first-time mom, and yet remained professional. My husband and birth team encouraged me throughout the whole process, and I couldn't have done it without them. I tried to avoid interventions as much as possible; I did have my midwife perform a membrane sweep because my water had broken and I was not contracting on my own. I struggled with this decision at the time, but I am so glad that I chose to do so because I feel that it may have prevented more interventions later on. My husband and I now have a beautiful baby boy, and a birth story I love to share. Good luck, mama. You are strong, and you can do it!
