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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I'd been having contractions all day starting around 9am but I realized it was really going to happen that day when we got to the hospital at 3am the next day and the nurse confirmed that I wouldn't be leaving without my baby.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging thing was standing my ground in the face of others - hubby, family and friends - who seemed to constantly want to quell my hopes of a natural childbirth. I know they had my best interests in mind - they didn't want me to get my hopes up or to underestimate how hard it would be. In the end, that definitely help set my basic priorities of having a healthy baby and coming out of it healthy myself. However, in the back of my mind I knew exactly what I wanted and I went for it!
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I got my head in the game. I think natural childbirth is at least 90% mental. We took a birthing class, I read books, I came to the Mama Natural site a lot! In high school I was a high jumper and cleared some amazing heights. Looking back, childbirth was so much like clearing those big high jumps back in the day. You have to visualize yourself making it over. You have to ride it out. You have to believe you can do it and in the end - you will. Our bodies are amazing - but you have to give them the fuel to do what they need to do. Part of that is food and exercise but during the birthing process, that fuel is your attitude, your spirit, your ability to relax and trust your body.
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What surprised you about your birth?
The last few moments before my daughter was born were the most surprising. Getting her out required more effort than I thought - not that I didn't have it in me, I was scared I was going to push too hard so held back but through the coaching of my nurse and doctor, realized I really could give it my all. The most incredible part of those last 10 pushes or so was the sensations - I could literally feel her moving through my birth canal and feel the effects of my efforts on her coming into this world. I had so much control and influence. It was incredible and only possible through natural childbirth!
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Our bodies are amazing - but you have to give them the fuel to do what they need to do. Part of that is food and exercise but during the birthing process, that fuel is your attitude, your spirit, your ability to relax and trust your body.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
A side lying position I was taught in birthing class. You lay on your left side with your head under a pillow and left arm under as well (or some where comfy). Then you keep your left leg straight and bend your right leg at the hip and knee and prop it on a pillow. It really allowed me to fully relax in that I didn't have to support my body and I could fully relax and ride out my contractions - it also opened my cervix up incredibly! When I got to the hospital I was dilated 3cm and after 60-90 mins in side lying I was a 9.5!
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I delivered on my side and if you'd have asked me what the last position I ever thought I'd deliver in would be, I'd say my side! In the end, it just worked perfect for me. Supporting my body was really uncomfortable, especially on my lower back. On my side, I didn't have to hold my body up and could still keep the pressure off my back. My nurse - who was AMAZING - helped hold my right leg up and we had a bar that I also pushed my right leg into (it was not laying on top of the bar) - pushing into that bar also seemed to help. I also had my hubby and his big forearm right in front of me and used his arm for everything - I braced against it, pulled and pushed on it. I may have even bit it once or twice!
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Unreal is the best word for it. Giving birth is so much work and you're exhausted but in the most beautiful and pure way possible. You feel as if you've achieved so much and holding my daughter after it was all over was pure bliss.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Two basic things - believe you can do it and spend the time to educate yourself. Our bodies are BUILT for this and with the right tools and support you can make it happen! Also, your partner doesn't need to play a huge role - if he/she wants to, that's great. My hubby didn't know or do anywhere near the things I knew and did. In the end, it's your body that is birthing and your mind that has the biggest influence on what you believe and experience!
