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When did you realize you were really in labor?
This was actually a tough call. I was having pretty intense contractions every night for four nights already. Yet every morning they would taper off. It was very frustrating. On a Monday night two days before my due date, I went to bed but was not able to fall asleep. The contractions started up. But I have been through this before, so downstairs I went to try and get through another night. But around 1 am the intensity picked up. I tried timing them but again they were coming erratically. I really tried to sleep in between but I was very uncomfortable. I finally decided to wake my husband around 3:30 thinking this might be it but not really sure. It was raining hard out and we had a 25 minute drive to the hospital. Plus we had to call someone to watch our other kids. So we decided to call out midwife. After talking to her she thought we should go in. So I called our doula and off we went!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
For me it was getting through the back labor. It's very intense and worse than contractions you feel throughout your stomach.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I read a few books with stories on other woman's natural childbirths. Also using a midwife and doula!
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What surprised you about your birth?
How fast it went once I was in active labor. I got to the hospital and was 8 cm dilated. Within two hours my daughter was born. I pushed only a few minutes and my water did not break until she was coming out!
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Be prepared! Take a class, use a midwife and doula, read natural childbirth books and watch YouTube videos. Watching the videos and reading the stories made it seem very doable and natural! Stay healthy and active as well.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Standing up leaning on my husband and swaying. He definitely got a work out! The doula putting counter pressure on my back and a hot hot shower.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
In the bed laying on my side. I was standing leaning against my husband when I knew my little girl was coming. My midwife said I better get in the bed then! It wasn't easy and I was on my side and she said I could stay like that. So I did!
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Beyond amazing! She was not my first but there is nothing you can compare to holding and seeing your child for the first time. I was in awe and definitely on a natural childbirth high! The overwhelming feeling of love is incredible. I definitely believe in love at first sight!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Be prepared! Take a class, use a midwife and doula, read natural childbirth books and watch YouTube videos. Watching the videos and reading the stories made it seem very doable and natural! Stay healthy and active as well.
