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When did you realize you were really in labor?
When my contractions became too intense to walk or talk through, I knew active labor had begun.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging thing about having an unmedicated birth was anticipating the pain and not knowing if I would be able to handle it.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Hire a doula! She was also our childbirth class teacher and I don't know what I would have done without her support, encouragement, and assistance during labor.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How present I was able to be throughout; even during the most painful contractions, I was able to pray with my husband and follow the instructions of my doula. I was also surprised at how capable I was of coping with the pain of contractions and pushing, but I think it was because I was so prepared and determined to give birth at home.
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Do your best to avoid listening to labor/birth horror stories and fill your mind with birth stories like the ones featured on Mama Natural.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Vocalizing during contractions helped a ton, but the most relieving experience was getting into the birth pool during transition. I instantly felt more relaxed and pushing was much easier.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I ended up delivering on my bed lying down, which was definitely not what I expected! It just ended up being the most comfortable position, since I had spent most of active labor on my hands and knees and those muscles were exhausted by the time I was ready to push.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
The relief I experienced after the intensity of pushing, combined with the joy of seeing my perfect little boy--the fruit of so much love and waiting--lying in my arms made for one of the most intensely joyful moments of my life. I thought I would cry, but I ended up laughing out of sheer elation.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Hire a doula, take a natural childbirth class, and surround yourself with people who will encourage you to stick to your resolution to have a natural birth. Do your best to avoid listening to labor/birth horror stories and fill your mind with birth stories like the ones featured on Mama Natural.
