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When did you realize you were really in labor?
Labor started for me two days before I gave birth to our beautiful baby girl Brooklynn. Friday night my contractions were about 10 minutes a part so we decided to wait it out at home before heading to the birthing center. To my surprise later that night my contractions completely stopped. Feeling frustrated, defeated and anxious to meet our girl I decided to get out of the house Saturday morning for some me time. I went for a relaxing mani/pedi and as I was in the chair to get my nails done my labor started again. The contractions were coming every 5-7 minutes. I quickly wrapped up my manicure and headed home. I showed my husband the tracking log of the contractions and he called the midwife. She advised us to head to the birthing center. My husband grabbed our suitcases and I knew that we'd be returning home with our girl.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
It's a mental game. Yes, its physically painful probably the worst pain you'll ever experience physically. But the mental challenge
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Preparing mentally. I read other birth stories, wrote down birthing mantras and had a playlist that all helped keep me focus. My husband was an AMAZING coach through my 12 hour labor. Making up my mind that I CAN do it and staying focused on the goal of delivering a healthy baby is what got me through.
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What surprised you about your birth?
It's MESSY! Somehow giving birth is the most invasive and intimate experience all at the same time.
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Make up your mind that you CAN do THIS! Try not to let friends and family discourage you from whats best for you and your body. Take time to prepare mentally and remember when the pain is all over you get to enjoy the greatest gift!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Laboring in the tub really helped get me through my natural delivery. I labored in the tub for the last three hours of my labor. The warm water made me feel weightless and helped soothe my body through the contractions.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On my side
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Holding the life that you created for the first time is difficult to put into words. Its an utterly thrilling, beautiful and moving experience.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Make up your mind that you CAN do THIS! Try not to let friends and family discourage you from whats best for you and your body. Take time to prepare mentally and remember when the pain is all over you get to enjoy the greatest gift!
