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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I had experienced annoying, inconsistent, weak contractions in the morning. Got dressed, went to the doctor for my scheduled appointment, while we were there I noticed blood when I went to the bathroom. Met my midwife in the exam room, told her about the contractions and the blood, she checked me and I was already 5cm dilated!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The pain. Once my contractions really amped up, I had to keep telling myself that the more it hurts, the closer it is to being over! When that fetal ejection reflex kicks in, IT’s ON! 3 pushes and she was born!
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
This was my 3rd birth, I just tried to stay calm and breathe. I tried to remember that it will be over soon.
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What surprised you about your birth?
It was fast! I was in Target at 2:40 pm and my baby was born at 3:40 pm!
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There is nothing in the world that compared to the joy of holding your newborn for the first time.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Just try’s my to stay calm.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On my knees, leaning on the back of the hospital bed.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
There is nothing in the world that compared to the joy of holding your newborn for the first time.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
My first birth was with an epidural. I tore badly, was coached through pushing because I couldn’t feel anything, my legs were numb. I just felt awful afterward. My 2nd birth was natural, I felt amazing afterward, wanted to get up and go out and do things. My 3rd birth was similar, just felt good afterwards. I think your body recovers faster, and better, when it’s not altered by drugs.
