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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I had a sweep done at 40+2 and was 3cm dialated, had cramping for another day an a half then at 2am on my 1 year anniversary I woke up to definite contractions. My husband was still awake and I started timing the contractions, they were 8-9 minutes apart for about 45 minutes and at 3:30am I finally said it was time to go. Good thing I didn't wait any longer because after the hour long drive to the hospital with contractions getting to 6 minutes apart i was checked and was 6cm dialated! Contractions ramped up at that point and at about 6:30am it was time to push. My doctor asked me if I was ready to push and my exact words were "I don't know what I'm doing" but I went on my hands and knees and started pushing, when they couldn't find baby's heartbeat in that position I went to laying on my side and at 6:55am Ella Louise Schmidt was born.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The panic I felt when baby was crowning. The pain was intense to say the least and I couldn't figure out how to breathe in a way that was helpful. Had it taken longer I'm not entirely sure what I would have done.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I watched videos, read everything I could about birth and stayed as calm as possible through my pregnancy and labor.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How fast it went; which I couldn't be more thankful for.
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Being a first time mom the biggest thing I can say is do your research and be in tune with your body. I knew I could handle the pain of labor because there would be an end.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Breathing techniques, closing my eyes and sort of "blacking out" and focusing on what my body was doing.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Left side with one leg up.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
That is a feeling I cannot describe. I think I laughed. There is truly no other feeling as amazing as having the life you created finally placed on your chest and meeting for the first time.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Being a first time mom the biggest thing I can say is do your research and be in tune with your body. I knew I could handle the pain of labor because there would be an end. I didn't want an epidural because of many reasons but the main one was I didn't want to deal with the pain once it wore off. Plus I was able to leave the hospital after 24 hours which was amazing!
