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When did you realize you were really in labor?
My water broke early Monday morning (New Year's day) but it took me a few hours to realize what it was as it was slowly leaking, and I had stayed in bed reading. I called my midwife, which was when it hit me that this was happening. I was still 2 weeks before my due date so I wasn't expecting it yet.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Honestly, with hypnobirthing and my music from my yoga classes, the contractions weren't bad at all. Just a little uncomfortable. I showed up at the birth center fully dilated and ready to push, which was a surprise to everyone! I didn't feel pain until the very end when I was pushing, and it was more stretching than anything else. My babe was crowning for 2 hours!
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Hypnobirthing, BirthFit, and filling my Instagram account with positive birth images and stories. BirthFit gave me the tools and confidence to remain healthy and active through my pregnancy and the mental/mindset training was invaluable. I also found a phenomenal team at a birth center which played a huge role throughout my pregnancy and delivery. I felt so supported and I was 100% confident that no matter what happened, my team would support me through it.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I was mostly surprised he came early! I had heard that first time moms generally go to 41 weeks, and he came at 38!
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I felt so supported and I was 100% confident that no matter what happened, my team would support me through it.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Slow deep breathing. And thinking about holding my baby at the very end.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I labored in a tub for awhile, then squatting holding a bar. I ended up delivering him laying in bed as my legs got tired and it helped my midwife help me stretch.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Unbelieveable. It felt like a dream.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
You can totally do it! I did my homework (mindset work, staying active, eating well, and seeing my chiropractor) but it was easier than I anticipated. A great team and support makes all the difference. For me, my BirthFit team and my birth center team were huge, and both helped my husband and I be prepared. He was amazing throughout my pregnancy and delivery.
