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When did you realize you were really in labor?
One of my neighbors came over to say hi. I could not get comfortable and sit in the same place. I couldn't even stand up; I had to bend forward over our counter. I was very uncomfortable. I started timing my contractions around 10:30 that night. I couldn't get any sleep because a contraction would hit and I had to focus on my breathing to get through it.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Mental fatigue. Not knowing when labor would end and when I would see our baby's face.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I hired a doula. She was excellent. In fact, the picture I posted was of me, my husband, our sweet baby Ethan, and our outstanding doula.
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What surprised you about your birth?
That nothing could really prepare me for childbirth but to actually go through it. It was like nothing I've ever experienced before. I couldn't believe what my body was capable of doing.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
There was a robozo technique that our doula taught me and my husband during the pushing stage that really helped provide leverage for me to get the baby into the birth canal. Also, my husband setting a rhythmic pattern of breathing/moaning for me to follow with each contraction. Hip compression for back labor and warm compresses that my doula provided. Also, my husband fanning me with a wet towel after each contraction.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On my back pulling my legs back. I really thought I would deliver in some sort of squat position on my feet or knees but it felt best and with less pressure to be on my back.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It was wild. He lived in me for 10 months. I couldn't believe how the Lord had knitted and formed him so uniquely in my womb.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
It is all about your birth team. I switched providers at 28 weeks. My OB was phenomenal and gave me freedom to pretty much labor however I wanted with the intention of minimal intervention. He also recommended his favorite doula to me and she was incredible. And, of course, I have an extremely supportive husband who was in it with me to the very end!
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How did the Mama Natural Birth Class help you in your childbirth?
It was wild. He lived in me for 10 months. I couldn't believe how the Lord had knitted and formed him so uniquely in my womb.
