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When did you realize you were really in labor?
My water broke on my due date at around 5pm, but labor did not, so the wait for contractions to start began. Finally about 36 hours later I woke up at 1:30 AM and knew I was having a real contraction. I got out of bed to time them and when I realized they were about 15 minutes apart I went back to bed to get as much sleep as I possibly could. I stayed in early labor until around 1:30pm in the afternoon and then active labor took over. Holy moly were the contractions intense! I arrived at the birth center around 5pm and 4.5 hours later our little sweet girl was born at 9:36pm.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging thing about going natural was getting through transition, things were SO intense and the contractions were on top of each other. I knew though that they would eventually end and that I just had to focus on each one by itself and not get overwhelmed.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
My husband and I took a natural child birth class and I think it really prepared him for what we were getting into and how to respond to me during labor. I also stayed active, teaching yoga and doing crossfit the majority of my pregnancy and I was really happy I did that once I was in active labor, it was quite the workout!
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What surprised you about your birth?
I was most surprised by how long it took to push. Even though I had read lots of birth stories I just didn't think pushing would take very long or feel very hard. Ha! In reality it only took an hour but every push took every ounce of energy I had, and I found it incredibly challenging.
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Believe in yourself. YOU CAN DO IT! So many people thought I was crazy when I mentioned I was going to give birth without pain medication but natural birth is 100% possible. Remember, you were made to do this! We are just like any other animal in nature, trust your body, find a good support team and stay positive. :)
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Getting in the tub helped take the edge off of contractions, also moving around and taking my midwives suggestions. I labored on the toilet, on the bed on my side, on a birthing stool, in a squat, standing holding on to my husband etc. Also trying to really focus on my breathing, keeping it as calm as I could.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I ending up on my back holding my own legs. I pushed in a table top position for a long time but in the end my back actually felt the most comfortable.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
I mostly felt relief. I was EXHAUSTED! It was so hard to believe she was finally here, it was a big moment that took some time to sink in.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Believe in yourself. YOU CAN DO IT! So many people thought I was crazy when I mentioned I was going to give birth without pain medication but natural birth is 100% possible. Remember, you were made to do this! We are just like any other animal in nature, trust your body, find a good support team and stay positive. :)
