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When did you realize you were really in labor?
On Thursday, I was having lots of low back pain and really sharp vaginal pains! My mom and sister were telling me, "Any time now!!" I didn't believe them! Then on Thursday night, I just got in to bed at 10:15pm and my water broke at 10:30pm. Such a weird, warm feeling! Throughout the night, i was having contractions but nothing major, still uncomfortable though. My midwife arrived at 4am to check in, my husband was setting up the pool and started a fire in the fireplace - my one request! She then checked me at about 9am and I was only dilated to a 1...kill me! lol! So she left and then my labor really started to pick up at about 11am. From then on it was super intense up until I delivered her that night (Friday) at 9:10pm.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
This was my first pregnancy and birth so I have nothing to compare it to. The whole process was a challenge! But, trying to keep it together and not lose control was the hardest part. I was always on the verge of losing my focus, there were a few times I wanted to cry! But I kept reminding myself that this is what we've been waiting for....the big finale! I had my eyes closed the majority of the time and just kept focused on what I was feeling, and made it through each contraction one at a time. I only allowed myself to think about the exact moment I was in - nothing more.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Not having any expectations of what the birth should be as well as doing lots of reading with my husband, and asking our midwife lots of questions. Otherwise, I didn't prep too much so I didn't scare myself!
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What surprised you about your birth?
The way my body completely took over when it was time to push. After 21hrs of labor, you think, "How on earth am I supposed to actually get her out after all this?!" My body said, "No worries, I'll take it from here."
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You can do it, everything you need is already within you. You will be doing the best thing for you and your little babe.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Focusing on my breathing, and envisioning what my little babes face would look like really helped! Mind over matter!
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I had a water birth and initially wanted my husband to deliver her but it didn't work out that way! I ended up being in a semi-sitting position leaning against him. Poor guy kept getting pushed almost under the water! :)
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Such an amazing moment! As soon as she was born, I felt like myself...like I could get right out of the pool and get to what ever I needed to do! Seeing her for the first time is something we will never forget She was so alert, eyes wide open, didn't cry, and turned her head towards my husband as soon as he spoke to her. Such a special moment!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
You can do it, everything you need is already within you. You will be doing the best thing for you and your little babe.
