Reading Articles and Taking a Childbirth Class Helped Nikki During Her Home Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I had my bloody show the evening before he was born, that was my first sign he was coming soon. And the following morning I woke up to contractions around 6:30am.
What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

Trying to relax during the contractions and not tense up was the hardest part for me.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?

I read articles and took a childbirth class. He was my 7h natural birth so I was fairly prepared anyways :)
What surprised you about your birth?

I caught him myself :)
Take it one contraction at a time. Obsessing over it and watching the clock just overwhelmed me and made me anxious. But focusing on one contraction at a time helped me get through it.
What pain relief strategies worked best?

I had a water birth so the warm water helped more than anything. But also my husband putting pressure on my lower back helped.
What position did you end up delivering in?

I was sitting upright in the pool. I pushed for a few contractions on hands and knees to get him in position though.
How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?

It was a dream come true! Made all the pain worthwhile.
What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?

Take it one contraction at a time. Obsessing over it and watching the clock just overwhelmed me and made me anxious. But focusing on one contraction at a time helped me get through it.

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