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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I went to my doctor's appointment at 39 weeks and was 4 cm dilated and well effaced (and had been for a week). I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes (diet controlled) and my doctor felt it was best to induce me. This wasn't my ideal situation, but I understood that with GD there are certain risks associated with letting a pregnancy go too long. I started pitocin at 6 pm and stopped it at midnight so I could get fluids and some rest. It was started again in the morning at 7 am, and hit me like a ton of Braxton Hicks. I was screaming at my husband to get me an epidural (I was ready to throw in the towel) when my water broke all over his feet (he was wearing flip flops). He ran out to get someone, and the midwife came in to check my progress and saw hair!!! My daughter was born at 8:45 am after about 5-10 minutes worth of pushing.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Having to be induced made me go from no contractions to full fledged active labor. It was a shock to the system, and made me question whether going natural was feasible.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Understand that my birth experience may not be in line with what I imagine or want. My husband and I took natural birth classes at the hospital and so he was prepared to help me through labor and knew the different comfort positions.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How quick my child arrived once I started pushing! I was also surprised by my body's ability to get through the pain, and my ability to stay focused. I know I almost gave in to the pain, but I am really glad I didn't! It was such a rewarding experience and I feel it helped me recover much quicker.
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Don't give up on what you want, but understand that it's okay if things don't go as planned. If you need medical interventions for whatever reason, it doesn't mean you are a bad mother.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
The slow dance pose. I thought it was cheesy in my class, but it turned out to be the best. I thought I'd love the birthing ball, but when she was crowning it was reallllly uncomfortable to sit down.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On my back with legs pushed up into my chest. I sort of dove into the bed and that was the position that was easiest from how I landed lol.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It was surreal. I went through some medical challenges a few years ago and wasn't sure I'd ever be able to get pregnant (I had a tumor on my ovary and had my left ovary removed and went through 3 rounds of chemotherapy). So it was a true blessing from God to have a healthy baby.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Don't give up on what you want, but understand that it's okay if things don't go as planned. If you need medical interventions for whatever reason, it doesn't mean you are a bad mother. There's no medal or trophy for mom's who stay exactly according to their birth plan.
