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When did you realize you were really in labor?
The night before the birth when my bag of waters had a slow leak. I noticed I leaked through my underwear and shorts. I called my midwife to let her know and then went to bed to get some rest. In the morning it happened again so I knew for sure it was amniotic fluid. Active labor started 4 hours later when I felt strong discomfort in my back and consistent contractions.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The transition phase of labor when I started to doubt myself. It was good to have the support of my husband and my doula to provide lots of reassurance.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
With my first birth my husband and I prepared by taking the Bradley Method classes. With this birth, I refreshed myself by reviewing the workbook. However the best preparation ever was hiring a doula this time around.
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What surprised you about your birth?
My baby came out to be 9lbs. 10 oz. I was not expecting her to be so big!
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Move around a lot and change positions often. Have a supportive birth partner. Hire a doula if you can afford it.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Breathing and trying not to tense up. Warm water from the birth pool. Running hot water on my back in the shower.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Kneeling/squatting in the birth pool.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
I felt relief. I was so glad to be done with labor and relieved to finally hold my baby in my arms.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Move around a lot and change positions often. Have a supportive birth partner. Hire a doula if you can afford it.
