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When did you realize you were really in labor?
When I got home from a long day of work, my mucus plug dislodged. I was skeptical still, but contractions started soon after.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
My biggest fear was that the hospital would pressure me to have interventions.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I practiced yoga all through my pregnancy which helped with breathing. I also drank red raspberry leaf tea and ate dates.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I was surprised how fast it was. It started around 7:30 pm and Eloise was born at 1:04 am. Half of that was pushing! I couldn't believe how much I struggled to push effectively.
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It was absolutely surreal. I still couldn't believe this beautiful little person had been inside of me. Motherly instincts of protection and love kicked in immediately.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Leaning forward over an exercise ball on my knees was the most comfortable way to deal with contractions. A slow, throaty moan distracted me from the pain and made it less sharp.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Unlike my vision, I ended up delivering on my back. I pushed on my hands and knees for the longest but was too tired to continue.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It was absolutely surreal. I still couldn't believe this beautiful little person had been inside of me. Motherly instincts of protection and love kicked in immediately.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Per Mama Natural's blog, I highly recommend red raspberry leaf tea and dates. I had menstrual-like cramps for hours the morning of and I truly believe that was the tea and dates doing most of the work so labor was ultra fast later. I also recommend hiring a doula. We had to have a substitute doula because ours was already at a labor, but it was so nice to have the extra hands and positive voice.
