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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I was having Braxton Hicks as usual, but did not realize I was actually having real contractions until I had to go to the hospital and get a non-stress test due to being diagnosed earlier that morning with IUGR (Inter-uterine Growth Restriction). The monitor was recording my contractions which were every 7-8mins apart. Feeling this sensation every so often allowed me to hone in on what a contraction actually was since this was my first baby. After the non-stress test, I continued to have these waves of tightness over the weekend (along with some contractions every now and again that really caught my attention). That next Monday I went back in to the hospital where I was induced so that my baby could grow better outside of the womb. I was 38 weeks that day. Labor was induced with a stretch and sweep and then Pitocin. I did not want to be induced with Pitocin, but everything ended up going really well and a healthy baby girl was born.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I think the most challenging thing about going natural was the fear of pain getting to the point where I felt it was unbearable. I was at this point just before I was ready to push, which I had heard is transition and the worst, most, primal part of labor. The endurance that your body has to have to have a natural birth is indescribable and only those who have undergone a natural birth will understand. I had to trust my body and just give in to the pain. It was crazy how fast I stopped caring about what I looked like or who could see my body while giving birth.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I had been preparing myself for a natural birth even before my husband and I started trying to get pregnant. I watched countless birth videos and studied as much as I could. Also, I started getting my mind ready for the process with trying to be as fearless as I possibly could. Along with preparing mentally, I took really great prenatal vitamins (ones that Mama Natural suggested) and walked as much as possible. Being somewhat in shape really helped.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I was really surprised that my water broke, in the hallway in fact, while I was deep into labor. The reason I was so surprised by this was because it was my first birth and I had heard that not many women have their water break the first time around - a surprise but a relief as well because I knew once that happened, it wouldn't be too much longer until I would meet my sweet baby girl. Another thing that surprised me was how rectal contractions were towards the end. I could feel everything in my bum and it was really an interesting yet painful experience. Lastly, my bodies ability to push my baby out was unreal. I could not believe how hard your body pushes and strains while you are having a contraction that makes you push.
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You can do it!! No matter how many people think you are crazy or do not think you can do it, you can. A woman's body is made for this and even if you are a smaller person (like me), you can still do it. Trust your body and intuition. You will be the one going through all the discomfort, so it is important to believe in yourself in order to get through it because it can become overwhelming.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
THE TUB!!! A hot tub with jets calmed me down immensely and I feel like it sped up my labor but also relaxed me to the point where I could push through all the pain. My husband holding my hand and pushing on my knees during a contraction really helped as well. The nurses and my husband also did an amazing job with trying to distract me and encouraging me during the waves of intense pain.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I thought for sure I would squat, but I ended up sitting, semi-reclined, on the hospital bed, holding my legs. I did not have the strength to hold myself in a squatting position by the time I was ready to push.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Holy cow, I cannot even describe it. It was like I was in a dream. Seeing her for the first time and holding her was the definition of true and unconditional love. I knew my life would never be the same and that was a good thing. My instincts as a mom kicked in immediately. I couldn't believe how tiny she was though. Because I had to deliver early, she was only 4lbs 13oz, but she was just as healthy as a full-term baby. I felt on top of the world because I did it natural and there were so many people in my life who thought I couldn't do it or was crazy to endure that pain willingly. It was a "drop-the-mic" kind of moment for me and my confidence as a woman boosted through the roof. It felt so good to have made it through a birth that I had worked so hard to get. I knew I could do it and that belief reflected so well when I got to hold my baby for the first time.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
You can do it!! No matter how many people think you are crazy or do not think you can do it, you can. A woman's body is made for this and even if you are a smaller person (like me), you can still do it. Trust your body and intuition. You will be the one going through all the discomfort, so it is important to believe in yourself in order to get through it because it can become overwhelming. I would also make sure you are surrounded by people who believe in you as well; whether it's a Doula, nurse, or spouse, you will need that encouragement when you are at your wit's end. I don't know what I would have done without my husband, the nurses, and midwife. Each person had their own role to play and that is what got me through. Women are amazing, we just need to believe in ourselves to do the thing that God gave us the ability to do.
