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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I hadn't had any cramping the entire pregnancy so I knew it was real when it started as menstrual like cramping coming in waves that started in my lower back and wrapped around my abdomen.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I think just not knowing when everything was going to happen. I had been given two induction dates (after 40 weeks I just kept trying to push them back) and I think it made things a little more stressful not knowing I'd really need to be induced. If we're talking physical challenge though, definitely the pushing phase. That push urge was very strong for me.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Took hypnobirthing courses online. I was able to really use the breathing techniques well right up until pushing. That part was a little harder to breathe through.
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What surprised you about your birth?
Length! This was my third natural, hospital birth but it was 14 hours total and I had a good 4-5 hours of stalled labor in the middle. My second was only 5 hours total.
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Got a while there I had a hard time accepting that I was the only one who could bring this baby into the world. I almost let fear get the best of me but I stuck to an affirmation that I learned in hypnobirthing which basically says that it's your own body, and your body can't overpower itself. It's going to naturally do what it has to during birth.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Wave breathing, focusing on counting during breathing in the middle of a surge. I brought a lighted diffuser and stared at that during transition surges and I think it helped a little.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Semi reclined,holding onto my own thighs.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Mainly relief! That it was over, that we finally knew the gender, and that he was healthy and so was I. I felt very present this time around too and that was a great feeling.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Got a while there I had a hard time accepting that I was the only one who could bring this baby into the world. I almost let fear get the best of me but I stuck to an affirmation that I learned in hypnobirthing which basically says that it's your own body, and your body can't overpower itself. It's going to naturally do what it has to during birth.
