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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I was 12 days overdue and I started noticed contractions having slight pain to them across my lower pelvis. Throughout the day the pains just got a lot stronger. I didn't want to tell anyone because I thought it would cause too much excitement and would stop my labor so I kept it secret. Around 7 pm I noticed a bloody show. I realized it was really happening so decided to get some rest. Lay in bed trying to sleep for a couple of hours and the contractions started waking me up and were quite intense and painful. Even though they weren't super regular, I just knew it was the real thing.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Having no pain meds and transition; I'm tempted to "give up" at that point. My labors are fast and furious so transition comes on quickly and powerfully.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Thinking positively about it. Envisioning it going well and holding my beautiful baby. Praying for strength and protection and handing over any worries and fears to Jesus when they popped up.
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What surprised you about your birth?
Three things: First, During transition, right before and during pushing, I got this very distracting, stabbing cramp in my side rib (like when you exercise after eating) and felt like vomiting for a few minutes. Secondly, how well I managed the pain up until the last 3-4 contractions. (I was talking and laughing with my husband between contractions) and lastly, that she came out in only two pushes!
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Listen and trust your body! It knew how to make this baby and it knows exactly how to deliver it. Don't fight the pain, ride it and relax into it. And remember that right when you feel like you can't do it anymore is the moment baby is about to come!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Warm bath! Made labor so so much more maneagable! Listening to my body and moving around however I felt. Breathing in through my nose and blowing slowly out of my mouth and just focusing on that. Praying. My husband encouraging me!
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Squatting in the birthing tub while leaving on the side.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
I felt shocked and so thankful
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
It's so rewarding in a way I can't quite put into words...prepare and plan ways to help you relax. (Candles? Bath? Music?) tell whoever will be with you what you think you'll need from them and the kind of encouragement you want. And the biggest thing is listen to and trust your body! It knew how to make this baby and it knows exactly how to deliver it. Don't fight the pain, ride it and relax into it. And remember that right when you feel like you can't do it anymore is the moment baby is about to come!
