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When did you realize you were really in labor?
About 9 PM, I couldn't really consider eating the supper my husband was working on and my texts to him had gotten shorter and shorter... I knew something very real was happening.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
My contractions came in waves of 3 with no rest in between. I wasn't getting a break at all and they were seriously intense. In the midst of a contraction, my head would go to "epidural... now!", but I kept telling myself that you can do anything for a minute. I concentrated on that concept as hard as I could to help stop the negative self-talk and continue on the natural path.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
The Mama Natura Birth Course was so helpful. It reminded me of all of the things I had learned for my first birth and gave me the confidence I needed to attempt a VBAC.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How primal and intense it was, and how my body just took over and did work while I let it happen. I just gave in and let my body do what it needed when it needed. It was so amazing to see how strong my body just knew what to do.
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It taught me so much, and reminded me of all of the things I knew about birth from my first kiddo. It was full of helpful tips and tricks, and the real stories from other parents were so beneficial to help me trust that I could do it.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Breathe works, and a lot of hip movement.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Side lying. I never really considered it, but at the time, I was so tired and it was the only position that felt comfortable for me and baby.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Overwhelming. I couldn't believe I had achieved my VBAC goal and was in a state of disbelief and astonishment. It was truly amazing to feel her body on mine and see her look up at me knowing I was her Mama.
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How did the Mama Natural Birth Class help you in your childbirth?
It taught me so much, and reminded me of all of the things I knew about birth from my first kiddo. It was full of helpful tips and tricks, and the real stories from other parents were so beneficial to help me trust that I could do it.
