-
When did you realize you were really in labor?
I was a week past my due date. I was having contractions at night, but was just going back to sleep in between them. In the morning, I had to go in for a routine non stress test, they found I was already 3 cm and admitted me to L&D.
-
What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Going up against the medical establishment. The second I arrived in the hospital I felt threatened and bullied by Drs and Midwives into treatments I didn't want.
-
IMG_0627
-
What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Hiring a doula.
-
What surprised you about your birth?
It ended up being opposite of what I had imagined. I was hoping for this peaceful, empowering natural experience. Something akin to climbing Mt. Everest. It ended up being very traumatic and ended 4 days later in emergency c section. I gave it my very best shot and resisted as many interventions as I could but in the end, I had to let go of my dreams of natural childbirth and embrace the experience I was given.
-
The second I arrived in the hospital I felt threatened and bullied by Drs and Midwives into treatments I didn't want.
-
What pain relief strategies worked best?
Relaxing with my doula and husband. If I ever have another baby, I'll probably have a home birth. Just being in the hospital made it awful.
-
What position did you end up delivering in?
Via knife.
-
How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Very sad.
-
What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Stay away from hospitals. If you do decide to deliver in a hospital, labor at home as long as you can.
