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When did you realize you were really in labor?
At midnight, I jumped out of bed (no easy thing at 39 weeks pregnant!) feeling like I was about to wet myself and made it to the bathroom just in time for my water to break. 1 hour later, my contractions started.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The intensity of pushing!
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
My husband and I read Mama Natural’s Guide, took Bradley classes, watched YouTube videos on natural labor and deliveries, and just overall tried to educate ourselves as much as possible.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How calm and inwardly focused I was throughout the 27 hours of labor! I was aware of what was going on around me but was very focused on staying relaxed. Also, once I pushed my baby’s head out, my husband and I were actually laughing because we were so excited that we were about to meet our baby! Pushing the rest of his body out was easier than I expected. Must have been all those yummy endorphins! I felt so empowered throughout my natural birthing experience, and I know it’s because I put trust in my body and in my birthing team (incredible husband, Doula, and Midwives).
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Ahhh absolutely incredible! There was so much love! I was also surprised that he felt so warm- I guess it was just something I never imagined ahead of time.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Calming music, moving around into different positions, shower, relaxing in a warm tub.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Surprisingly, on my back! I never thought I would deliver in that position because I knew I wouldn’t have the help of gravity, but since I was laboring in mostly forward bending or standing positions, I needed to switch up the angle for my contractions to get stronger.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Ahhh absolutely incredible! There was so much love! I was also surprised that he felt so warm- I guess it was just something I never imagined ahead of time.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Hire a doula, and if you are low-risk, deliver your baby in a non-hospital environment- it makes the experience so much more special!
