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When did you realize you were really in labor?
Prodromal labor had started a little before 35 weeks, I told everyone I may have no idea when I am truly in labor. At 38 weeks I was watching TV in bed and had the usual couple contractions and all of a sudden my water broke! This being my 3rd baby and all 3 labors starting with ROM, I knew it was time!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
It's very rare to have a pain free natural birth, but I was extremely fortunate to have experienced one especially this being my last baby. I didn't even feel transition it was so pain-free. I wish every mom could feel what it's like to embrace contractions/waves and not feel pain from them.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Mentally preparing myself. Telling myself to embrace every wave, every feeling and welcome it! Doing this allowed me to have a calm and pain-free labor/birth.
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What surprised you about your birth?
From the moment my water broke to baby being born was only 1hr 34 minutes! I chose to go unassisted and allowed a few friends to come to watch. I had no idea it would go so fast! Both my significant other and my mother missed the birth. I feel because I was so excited to be in labor and deliver her all on my own, it took over and I had zero fear about any of it so it had to of helped me progress extremely fast. I didn't even tear or anything with how quick it all was.
This being such an amazing birth experience I would love to do it over and over again!
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Being excited and not scared allowed my body to overpower any pain I might have had.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Not tensing up, instead, doing low moans to help relax the body. Focusing on toes and making sure they are relaxed at all times.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I was side laying in my birth pool, this allowed me to prop my leg up and feel baby head as well as feel in control of each push with each contraction.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
When she came out and I lifted her out of the water and onto my chest, it was the most liberating feeling ever!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Relax, stay positive and get excited not fearful! I was so excited the moment my water broke. I started setting all my stuff up. Being excited and not scared allowed my body to overpower any pain I might have had.
