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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I started having contractions regularly the day before but they were painless, just a tightening and relaxing of my uterus, and I enjoyed every minute knowing that this could be it! But then at 0500 the next morning, I had a bloody show and I knew for sure that was it! I cried tears of joy because I knew the day had finally come...
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Fighting the medical model honestly, in the hospital/clinic but also within my own head as I am a nurse working in the hospital I delivered in. I had to fight against the push for interventions and the fact that the medical staff was nervous to have me go 42 weeks without induction.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
The mama natural course of course! Through that, I loved hearing over and over again that my body was made to do this! I also enjoyed the scriptural affirmations, declaring life over my body as well as over my baby. Also seeing so many others who have done a natural birth before me, knowing they paved the way.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How fast it went and that it wasn't more painful! Don't get me wrong, I was very uncomfortable (ask my husband + our doula) but I was shocked that as a first time mom, that my labor was only 10 hours and it wasn't even painful until the 4 hours before our son was born. What a gift this whole experience was for me! Thank you Jesus!!
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Surreal, breathtaking, supernatural- we had no idea the gender and it was a beautiful surprise! Well worth the wait!!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Honestly, using my husband and doula for physical support through each contraction as well as making sure that I was distracted the entire time with funny songs, funny movies that I enjoy and know by heart. I labored at home for the 9/10 hours so I was able to do what I wanted to do for pain relief/distraction :) Also my doula kept telling me that the contraction was almost done for every single one and that was so very helpful- it helped me to see the end in sight with each contraction.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On all fours on the hospital bed mostly because we were in such a rush to get me from standing next to the bed before our son was born! (we were only at the hospital for 40 minutes before his delivery. I do not recommend this but I really had no idea how close I was to delivering!)
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Surreal, breathtaking, supernatural- we had no idea the gender and it was a beautiful surprise! Well worth the wait!!
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How did the Mama Natural Birth Class help you in your childbirth?
My husband and I felt so prepared for making informed decisions even if they seemed radical to the medical world (using a fetoscope versus the doppler, not getting induced at 40 weeks, only getting one ultrasound during the course of the pregnancy). Had we not watched the Mama Natural Birth Course together (yes, he was dragging his feet), there is no way we would have gone in as confident as we did to deliver our lil surprise- a boy! Thank you Genevieve and Maura so so much! We can't wait to do it again! haha!
