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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I had non-painful contractions all day Thursday (more than I had been having the previous days), and then that night at 2 am I woke up with painful contractions that were about 10 minutes apart. Once I got up they were closer together but not as consistent or painful. But I guess when I realized this was the real thing is when I called my midwife to tell her what was happening and she said it probably is the real thing and they kept getting closer together and more painful. And when I realized I didn't want to be by myself thru contractions but wanted my husband there for me to lean on.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging thing about going natural for me was probably the fact that we were having a home birth with the nearest hospital (that handles births) being about 40 minutes from us. I was a little worried that I'd have a complication and we'd have to get to the hospital fast. But we didn't.
Also, at one point I was so tired but the contractions were coming two on top of each other it seemed, and I just couldn't sleep. My midwife then gave me some valarian for sleep/rest and scullcap to take the edge off the pain. I didn't feel like the pain was any better but I did feel more sleepy. I think I dosed between contractions for a little while then.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I read lots of birth stories and watched lots of birth videos and read a lot about what's gonna happen (the normal process). I didn't feel scared of giving birth until I was actually in labor then I felt a little bit scared and nervous but not much.
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What surprised you about your birth?
The fact that I didn't tear enough for my midwife to have to repair anything. I had done perineal massages about 3 times a week but I didn't feel like I made much progress in it, so I had just been expecting that I would tear (especially with this being my first birth). And I surrendered it to the Lord. So when she said that only a little thing on the inside tore that she wouldn't even have to repair I was really surprised (and thankful!!)! But I guess I should never underestimate the power of Jesus!
Another blessing was that I only pushed 20 minutes until our little daughter was born!
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Trust in the Lord Jesus! I could not have done it without Him to help me thru it!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Being in the water help a LOT!! Other than that my husband rubbed some Arnica extract onto my lower back and it helped a little.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I ended up delivering laying on my left side on the bed because when my midwife checked the baby's heartbeat it was getting too low so she had me get out of the water and into that position and told me I had to push this baby out fast! I didn't really feel the urge to push but I did anyway and it worked. She was out 20 minutes later! We felt so blessed!!
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Wonderful!! I don't know how else to say it! And I still love holding her!!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
You can do it!! God created our bodies to do this job and you can do it! Listen to your body and do what it wants (as far as what position to be in and whether or not to eat, etc). Trust in the Lord Jesus! I could not have done it without Him to help me thru it! And I believe it was Him helping me thru my husband! He was the best coach ever! Even my midwife said he was the best doula husband she had ever seen!! :) :)
