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When did you realize you were really in labor?
Thought possibly at 8:30pm, but wasn't completely sure until 12:30am after taking a "walk" at the hospital and being checked for dilation.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Keeping the hospital staff from intervening, and interupting the calm comfortable environment we were trying to sustain.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Reading lots of books, from Ina May Gaskin to calm birth, watching lots of videos like "the business of being born" and positive natural birth stories in video and print!
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What surprised you about your birth?
Active labour was like a thunder storm, if I stayed relaxed it was like rolling thunder, very satisfying, but if I was distracted or tense it was like a close lightening bolt and loud crash.
It all changed when my water broke and immediately hit transition. Baby was born 27 minutes later.
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Prepare prepare prepare!! Have someone or two people there to help advocate for you, and just don't think about meds (i didnt) concentrate on keeping calm for baby's sake and relaxing even more on the next contraction.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Relax!!! Breathe in For 4 counts out for 6. Relax from head to toe, even fingers...just relax like a rag doll!!
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Half way from kneeling backward on bed to laying down "traditional" (once crowned), so my husband could easily catch the baby and we could have immediate skin to skin.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Amazing! I was so proud of us both, we did it!!!!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Prepare prepare prepare!! Have someone or two people there to help advocate for you, and just don't think about meds (i didnt) concentrate on keeping calm for baby's sake and relaxing even more on the next contraction.
