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When did you realize you were really in labor?
It took me awhile to accept that between contractions, during them I was 100% sure from the moment I woke up.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
For me it's not too difficult with my recent births because they were home births. When drugs aren't an option I don't think about wanting them. I think the most difficult aspect of planning a natural birth is how UNnatural that is in today's society.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Watch 4 million (almost lol) birth videos on youtube. If there is a home birth video on there, I watched it.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How hard pushing was this time around. My previous babies took very little pushing.
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It isn't as scary as we think it is. Each pregnancy, the closer I get to the end I start to worry about labor a bit. Each time, it's hard, but doable. I've had 4 natural births. The pain is there for contractions, and GONE in between. You get a break each and every time. Your body knows what to do, and when labor actually comes, you'll accept it and move through it with non of the anxiety you worry you'll have during pregnancy. At least that's the way it is for me. I worry while pregnant about labor, but once it hits I accept it and move through it peacefully.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Repeating "I can do anything for 2 minutes" over and over and over to myself during each contraction. Counter pressure for the back labor.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On my back, in bed. Pushing took awhile and was fairly intense due to babies position (sunny side up and he didn't turn). I kept getting fainty during pushing contractions so the bed was the most comfortable for me.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
I was SO glad he was here. My pregnancy seemed to last forever, all I could think was "FINALLY, I'm not pregnant anymore, he's here, and he's healthy".
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
It isn't as scary as we think it is. Each pregnancy, the closer I get to the end I start to worry about labor a bit. Each time, it's hard, but doable. I've had 4 natural births. The pain is there for contractions, and GONE in between. You get a break each and every time. Your body knows what to do, and when labor actually comes, you'll accept it and move through it with non of the anxiety you worry you'll have during pregnancy. At least that's the way it is for me. I worry while pregnant about labor, but once it hits I accept it and move through it peacefully.
