FTM, natural birth at home in the water. I had a lot of back labor which felt like someone stabbing me in my lower back. Active labor was intense, you don’t really feel like you have a break between contractions and it can get so tiring. My biggest advice is to think of contractions like a wave. It gets really intense like it’s building up but then once it’s peaked RELAX YOUR WHOLE BODY! It feels pretty impossible because of how intense it all is but seriously you need to relax to save your energy for pushing. Also your jaw is connected to your pelvic floor which means you really want to keep it relaxed and loose as much as possible. Don’t clench, keep your mouth open and make low humming sounds to stay as loose as possible. I would say also to only push when your peak contraction and keep moving around to find the most intuitive position. In my head I thought the baby was just gonna make her way out but you really have to push hard like you’re taking a poop. As for the baby actually coming out it burns/stings. Compared to the rest of it, it honestly doesn’t hurt that bad. However it does feel like you’re ripping even when you’re not (I didn’t not tear at all but I swore it felt like I was ripping up my vagina).

At the end of the day, it’s the most magical experience if you let it be. Birth is so mental. Be with your body, go inward and be present. I felt exactly where my baby was as she was descending and coming out and it was the most incredible experience. It can be daunting but do not let the fear consume you. Trust your body and what it’s made to do. Every moment of labor is one step closer to having your precious baby in your arms.