-
When did you realize you were really in labor?
Around 5:00 pm I started having some contractions that just felt like Braxton Hicks but by 7:00 pm they were coming 3 minutes apart and not stopping. By 7:30 we were calling the midwife to let her know we thought it was time.
-
What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Waiting past my due date and not getting a pelvic exam or anything to know if I had even started progressing for labor ahead of time. I had all three of mine natural but this was the first time at a birth center where they just trust your body to induce itself.
-
FB_IMG_1495348246333
-
What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
We went to childbirth classes this time and learned how to body transitions and the various stages. So as soon as I felt the baby get lower and my body ready to push I told the midwife and she was there and ready. It was all very fast so e warning was helpful!
-
What surprised you about your birth?
How quickly and peacefully the baby came. By 9:15 we were at the birth center and at 10:10 she was born. My big kids were in the other room with family that made it just in time and all of a sudden the baby was here. It was all very surreal.
-
Learn as much as you can so you can make the best decisions for you and baby!!
-
What pain relief strategies worked best?
Realize that it will hurt and mentally being prepared for that but realizing that it won't last forever.
-
What position did you end up delivering in?
Laying on my side!
-
How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It was wonderful! Out of all three of my babies I had this was the first one I got to hold first while the umbilical cord was still pulsating. We didn't know about the benefits of that and the option to do it with the older two.
-
What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Learn as much as you can so you can make the best decisions for you and baby!!
