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When did you realize you were really in labor?
Contractions started at 10:30pm but were less intense than Braxton Hicks had been in the days prior. I got up, walked around and when they weren't changing I got my husband up. They were 4 minutes apart but only lasting about 30 seconds. We got to the hospital at 12:15 and I delivered at 12:59!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Letting go of fear, this was my third natural birth so it was difficult to not think about what I knew was coming. I was also tense since I labored so quickly my midwife wasn't at the hospital yet and I didn't know who would deliver.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Reading birth stories, writing out birth affirmations, sitting on the ball. This is also the first pregnancy that I saw a chiropractor regularly.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How fast it was - I went from no signs of labor to holding my baby girl. I also couldn't believe I had a daughter, we had two boys and didn't know the gender.
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Find a great birth team, my Husband and midwives were incredible. Our nurses were also very supportive of natural birth! I also prayed often!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Focusing on breathing baby down, walking, swaying.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On my back in bed. I got in bed to be checked, then my water broke and I needed to push.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Amazing! She was a week late and She seemed so tiny and I couldn't believe how fast she came!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Find a great birth team, my Husband and midwives were incredible. Our nurses were also very supportive of natural birth! I also prayed often!