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When did you realize you were really in labor?
When the only place I could get comfortable was on the toilet and the contractions were coming sharp and fast. Apparently, I had been laboring all day and didn’t realize it until it was almost too late. With an hour and a half drive to the hospital, we almost welcomed our sweet boy on the highway. As an added bonus, our inside dog who is typically an angel decided to jump in a muddy creek as I was waddling to the car at 1:00 am.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Being in the car for so long during the most intense pain of my life. Staying relaxed through contractions.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Bradley classes taught us a lot about what to expect even though my labor was completely different than what we learned. Lots of guided meditations, birth affirmations, relaxation breathing, staying active, walking, bouncing and hip circles on a birthing ball, pelvic tilts, deep squats, oh and red raspberry leaf tea... drank about a gallon the day I had him at 41+3.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How fast it was! We got to the hospital around 2:15 and I was 10 cm and fully effaced. My water broke almost immediately and I had to wait several minutes (seemed like hours) for the doctor to arrive all while trying not to push. Baby boy was born at 3:08 AM. They didn’t even have time to start an IV or get me hooked up to the fetal monitor, which was fine with me, but typically hospital protocol. I truly got the natural childbirth experience that I wanted!
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You can totally do it. It’s only one day of discomfort. Treat your body and your mind well throughout your pregnancy. Meditate. Find a support person and keep them close by.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Sitting on the toilet, counter pressure to my lower back, breathing techniques, changing positions frequently before we left home, encouragement from my husband.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Semi-upright position.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It was overwhelming and wonderful and exciting. Love like I’ve never felt.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
You can totally do it. It’s only one day of discomfort. Treat your body and your mind well throughout your pregnancy. Meditate. Find a support person and keep them close by. I couldn’t have done it without my husband, who managed to stay calm throughout the chaos. Take a class and learn about your body and the things to expect. Keep active. I walked hours before my labor started. Eat a healthy diet but don’t forget to treat yourself!
