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When did you realize you were really in labor?
On August 22nd I woke up at 3:30 AM to my water breaking. I then started having cramps, got in the shower and slowly got ready before calling the hospital.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
When it got towards the end I needed help to focus on my breathing. Occassionally I would start to hyperventilate or hold my breath, but my nurse and husband both did a great job keeping me focused.
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Hazel_Margaret
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Prayer and finding scripture to focus on kept me from falling victim to fear and lies. Also, going through the mama natural course with my husband. He would have been at a loss as to what to do, if it were not for what we learned together.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How fast I dialated! And how humble and helpful my husband was the entire 15 hours. It also surprised me that I didn't ask for an epidural.
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It gave me confidence, knowing I prepared myself as much as possible. And it gave my husband the tools needed to help me labor unmedicated.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
My husband pressing on my hips and back. Using the yoga ball in the hot shower. Also changing positions frequently.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Reclined in the bed.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Partly relieved and happy, yet disappointed it didn't last very long because she had to be whisked away so soon. Her APGAR score was 1, so she needed oxygen right away. After about four hours I finally got to do skin to skin and let her breast feed. That was such a content feeling.
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How did the Mama Natural Birth Class help you in your childbirth?
It gave me confidence, knowing I prepared myself as much as possible. And it gave my husband the tools needed to help me labor unmedicated.
