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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I think I was laboring all day at work, had my 39 week doc appt. that afternoon and was dilated to a 2.5 and 60% effaced. I drove home and went about our nightly routine, including my sons bath (pictured 10 hours before he became a big brother).
Went to bed around 11 and woke up at 2:45 with contractions 5-7 minutes apart and lasting about 1 minute. I laid in bed resting and timing them for 40 minutes. As they were getting more intense I decided it was time to wake hubby, shower and head to the hospital. Left a little after 4am.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Being hooked up to machines for 30 minutes (supposedly needed in preparation for a water birth) while I just wanted to move around!
Also feeling the need to push but being told I was only at a 6.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
This time around I was so much less fearful. I knew my body could open up and do the work, I read books that empowered me, and I saw my chiropractor regularly throughout this pregnancy.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How fast it went! I ended up delivering on hands and knees on the bed 30 seconds after getting out of the bathroom and telling my doctor (who had just arrived) that I felt like I needed to push. My daughter literally fell out of me without trying to push, and without anyone prepared to catch her!
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Surround yourself with people and literature that have a positive, powerful view on birth rather than a fearful view! Believe in yourself and allow your body to open up. You were made to do this and you can!!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Breathing through it and being in hands and knees swaying back and forth.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Hands and knees on the bed as the tub was filling up!
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Amazing. I was still in shock of how quickly she came, and kept asking if she was ok from the "fall" and somersault she did!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Surround yourself with people and literature that have a positive, powerful view on birth rather than a fearful view! Believe in yourself and allow your body to open up. You were made to do this and you can!!
