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When did you realize you were really in labor?
About thirty minutes before going to the birth center. Even then, I was unsure because my contractions were between 5 and 8 minutes apart, which wasn't consistent enough to convince me that I was in real labor. Its a good thing we left when we did because he came about 45 minutes after arriving at the Birth Center.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Deciding whether to head to the Birth Center or wait a little longer.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Making vision boards to have in my birthing room.
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What surprised you about your birth?
A lot of things actually...
•I really could not believe that it happened so fast (about 45 minutes after getting to the Birth Center).
•When I got to the Birth Center, I really thought that I had far more labor to endure.
•I didn't really want to push when I felt the urge in the tub because I thought it was too soon! I didn't know his head was RIGHT there when Courtney (My midwife) checked me in the tub, otherwise I would have been more ready when the urge came.
•I didn't tear considering I didn't have anyone telling me when and how to push.
•The the time it took for me to get the rest of him out after his head was 4 seconds.
•My water was still almost clear, and there was little blood with the placenta.
•They said it was one of the cleanest deliveries they’d had.
•It really wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, not gonna lie it did hurt, but not as bad as I thought.
•Just when I thought I couldn't do it, that's when it was over..
•I think the natural chemicals in a way actually served as a buffer to the pain.
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Just go with it, and don't be afraid. Make beautiful vision boards to focus on, and encourage you.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Walking, not laying down up until a certain point, then I couldn't walk out the contractions, but standing was good. By the time I got into the water my contractions were about a minute and less apart and it didn't really help that much.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On my knees in the water.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Wonderful.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Just go with it, and dont be afraid.
Make beautiful vision boards to focus on, and encourage you.
Read *Ina May's Guide to Childbirth* By Ina May Gaskin, it changed my whole mind set on birthing it was a huge help.
