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When did you realize you were really in labor?
The strength of my contractions woke me up from sleep at 3am. I was doubtful that I was actually in labor for at least the first hour thereafter but walking, snacking and showering didn't stop the strength or duration. I decided to move into the guest bedroom and labored quietly alone there in the night. It was so peaceful.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Labor didn't begin until I was 41 weeks and 6 days pregnant. I flatly refused to be induced and my health care provider threatened to drop me. They were already agitated by the fact that I had declined so many routine tests and ultrasounds during my pregnancy.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I read beautiful water color birth affirmations online. I studied them and when the contractions got serious I invisioned the colors and words and it swept me through each surge. Ultimately I prayed my way through the worst contractions. I also really enjoyed reading the birth stories on Mama Natural of mamas who had achieved natural hospital births.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I labored at home until the contractions were four minutes apart, lasting one minute and had been that way for over an hour or about four hours after labor initially began. The plan was to stay home as long as possible but we may have waited a smidge too long... I ended up transitioning in the car and moved into the pushing stage while nearing the hospital exit ramp! By the time we pulled into the hospital valet my body was doing the pushing for me! From the moment we stepped into the hospital to the moment my baby girl was born (en caul!) was only 6 minutes! What a ride!
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One affirmation really stuck with me through the worst contractions. "Even though this is difficult, I can still do it." Non medicated birth is intense but you CAN still do it!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Bending all the way over and swaying my butt side to side was wonderful. Once in the car I didn't really have anywhere to go so I was forced to really experience each contraction (for the hour long car ride!)
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On my back, hospital style. I had instinctively been squatting in the car but once in the hospital everything happened so fast the baby was nearly born in the lobby!
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
I was in complete and utter shock. My baby girl was here! What sweet relief to see my precious, healthy, long awaited darling girl. I also felt incredibly proud to have labored all myself with no hospital interventions, no drugs and no tears! The birth of my dreams! We had done it!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
One affirmation really stuck with me through the worst contractions. "Even though this is difficult, I can still do it." Non medicated birth is intense but you CAN still do it!
