-
When did you realize you were really in labor?
I realized I was in labor at work. I perform in a show at a theme park & shortly after I arrived at work, I realized my contractions, though very light, were definitely coming more regularly. This being my first full term baby, I knew that early labor could be very long, so I performed in the show, went home & started timing them. 5 mins apart. This was it.
-
What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I know this is going to sound cliche, but honestly nothing. I was confident in my decision to have a home birth, I knew it was going to be intense, I knew it might not go exactly to plan, but I also knew that my body was more than capable of birthing my baby, I just had to stay in the right mindset. In terms of pain, I did have back labor, which was pretty overwhelming. Thanks to my husband, counter pressure & low moaning, I made it through.
-
20171022_133148
-
What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
The most helpful thing I did hands down was hypnobirthing classes. The positivity & relaxed approach to birth was refreshing & exactly what I needed. It equipped me with the right tools to relax & let my body & baby do what they needed to do. While providing the confidence I needed to accomplish it.
-
What surprised you about your birth?
I was most surprised about the pushing phase! I was in shock with how primal & instinctual it was. My body completely took over & I couldn't fight it! I only pushed for 17 mins & I completely attribute that to following my body's lead.
-
You deserve to have a birth that you are proud of. You deserve to feel completely in control & respected. Stay strong mama.
-
What pain relief strategies worked best?
For me, counter pressure & low moaning were the things that got me through. That, & staying as relaxed as I could throughout the whole labor. Trusting the process & knowing it will be over before I know it... & it was.
-
What position did you end up delivering in?
I ended up delivering on my back, I know, I know, not the best position, but for me it was actually the most comfortable, so I just went with it.
-
How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It felt completely surreal. A moment that I won't ever be able to fully describe. I was in a completely different world at that moment, a high unlike any other. This was my child. I carried him for 40 weeks while he formed in my womb. I birthed him the way I wanted. And now we had this precious gift from God. I was in complete awe.
-
What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
You can do this. Your body was created to do this. Find a tribe of women that support you fully & don't listen to any of the nay sayers. Stay strong in your choices. I pray all women experience the type of birth they want. Know what that experience is & stay firm in it. You deserve to have a birth that you are proud of. You deserve to feel completely in control & respected. Stay strong mama.
