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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I had been having contractions all week. But once they got consistent, I started thinking it was really time. At first, they were about 13-15 minute apart for about an hour or two. Then for another hour they started coming at 8-10 minutes apart. Another hour later they were 4-5 minutes apart and getting really strong. With each consistent contraction, I felt more and more sure that the baby was really on his way.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Enduring the pain.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
With my first natural birth, I took the Bradley birthing classes and also read several natural birth and Bradley Method books. Knowledge was power for me. The more I learned about labor and birth and what happens, the more committed I was to natural childbirth. It was also necessary for me to have my husband learn everything right along with me, so he could be my advocate and partner in natural childbirth.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I really learned as much as I could, so that I would know what to expect, but you can't really study to know exactly how you'll feel, physically and emotionally. I was surprised that I actually did get to the point of feeling defeated...They say, that every mama will say "I just can't do this" and that's when you know you are almost there! That's the point of transition from dilation to pushing. I learned that mamas often say this and feel this way. But I didn't know that I would actually feel that way too! But that's why having my husband and midwife there to support me in my doubts was essential. The feelings surprised me, from the pain, to the pushing, to the burning, to the absolute and immediate relief once that baby is born...to the intense emotions of difficulty, exhaustion, and love!!
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Learn all that you can. Read the books. Watch the videos. Strengthen your commitment to natural childbirth by educating yourself. Also, have a strong partner, your husband or doula, to be there with you every step of the way. And when you are deep in labor, picture that baby in your arms and that will inspire you to make it through! It is all worth it!!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Trying to relax my whole body as I worked through contractions.
Low moaning through contractions really helped me focus on something other than the pain.
Being in the tub also helped. Although I didn't stay in there long.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I was kind of lying on my side and back, holding my legs up and back, underneath my knees. My husband got to catch the baby this time. He was elated!
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
The most amazing thing I have EVER experienced. I felt bonded to him right away, and could have lived in that moment for forever!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Learn all that you can. Read the books. Watch the videos. Strengthen your commitment to natural childbirth by educating yourself. Also, have a strong partner, your husband or doula, to be there with you every step of the way. And when you are deep in labor, picture that baby in your arms and that will inspire you to make it through! It is all worth it!!
