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When did you realize you were really in labor?
My water broke at 11:30 on the 4th of July 2017. Unfortunately with no contractions. I ended up taking castor oil at 10:30am the next day. Ended up in Early labor around 4:00pm. Active labor by 6:00 pm.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Towards the end my contractions would make me feel like I was being split in two from the need to vomit and push at the same time.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I had really bad braxton hicks contractions. I used those to practice positions for pain relief. My partner practiced with me and we really had a good team dynamic through the entire labor.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How beautiful it is to feel everything, think you can't do it anymore, get coached through and cone out in the end with a natural birth and a beautiful baby.
Also I was much more able to take care of myself and the baby directly after birth because I didn't have anything inhibiting me.
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Trust yourself, your support person, and midwife. You can do this.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Sitting on the toilet, taking a bath, and having my partner rub my back.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I delivered on my back with my knees up. I pushed in three positions. I pushed with my chest on an exercise ball, with knees on the bed. Moved to a squat chair until the baby was very close. Then moved to my back for the final pushes to help prevent tearing.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It was the most beautiful peaceful moment. My partner and I loving on our baby after the long wait.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Trust yourself, your support person, and midwife. You can do this.
