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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I woke with regular light contractions at 3am, I continued trying to rest through them until things picked up around 6am.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I find one of the most challenging things is to move my focus away from the pain. But if you can manage to do it through breathing and visualization it helps alot.
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homebirth
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
The most helpful thing to have during childbirth is a really strong support team. I hired a trusted midwife and doula who along with my husband were able to anticipate all of my needs throughout the experience.
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What surprised you about your birth?
The most surprising thing about my birth was how FAST it was. My previous two births were well over a full day but my third little guy arrived in just 7.5 hours. I was in the most intense period of contractions thinking I had an entire day left and worrying that I would not be able to do it...turns out I was in transition!
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The most helpful thing to have during childbirth is a really strong support team. I hired a trusted midwife and doula who along with my husband were able to anticipate all of my needs throughout the experience.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
As I said before it really helps me if I can breathe and try to visualize things that help me to take the focus off of the pain! If I imagine with every contraction that my baby is moving its way down and that I am closer to meeting them, it helps a lot. I also had my doula and husband and doula sitting on either side of me on the couch and as a contraction approached they would both gently rub down each of my legs almost like they were rubbing the pain down and out. It helped me a lot to have their support.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I was in a sitting position in the birth pool when my baby arrived.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It's the greatest mix of emotions one can experience. Immense happiness and joy, relief, exhaustion, pride!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
You can do it, our bodies were made for this!
