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When did you realize you were really in labor?
My first contraction woke me up around 3:45 am on Sunday morning, and I also had bloody show. The contractions were on and off all day, and never really picked up until that evening. Around 7 pm, they started lasting longer and were closer together. I knew that night that I wasn't going to sleep, so I let my husband get as much rest as he could. I woke him up around midnight and told him it was time for him to call our midwives. Our little girl was born at 6:39 pm on Monday.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging thing was trying to stay positive after nearly 24 hours when I really wanted to just hold my baby and sleep! I was so exhausted (and so was my husband) I was convinced that it would never end.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Taking a natural childbirth class, reading and watching tons of birth stories, and reading Mama Natural's birth affirmation cards every night before bed. I also listened to the Birth Hour podcasts while I would work out, so I felt as though I was prepared for any situation. I kept reciting the birth affirmations during each contraction, which really helped me relax and breath.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How long it was!! I knew that as a first time mom, I would likely have a long labor. However, I was able to progress to 7 cm fairly fast and I felt so positive and prepared. Once I got to 7, I stalled for about 12 hours before I was able to start pushing. Our little girl had her arm up by her head, which resulted in slow progression and 2 hours of pushing as she was born military style.
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You can do it! Educate yourself, and make sure you have a supportive birth team. I know I could not have remained positive without my awesome husband and midwives.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
The tub was definitely my favorite place to labor and it really helped me relax all my muscles. I also think just reciting all of the birth affirmations helped keep me positive and focused more on my baby than on the pain.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I delivered on my back in the bed the very last place I thought I would deliver!
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Unreal! I couldn't believe that she had finally made it, and just how perfect she was. Although the labor was long, I was so thankful that I went natural for as soon as she arrived I was suddenly full of energy, and she was able to latch right away!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
You can do it! Educate yourself, and make sure you have a supportive birth team. I know I could not have remained positive without my awesome husband and midwives. Our midwives were also great at encouraging me to keep moving and switching positions when my labor had stalled. They were so helpful and knowledgeable, and their rebozo work was critical in helping me progress to 10 cm!
