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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I'd been having weak contractions all day that were pretty far apart. They got closer throughout the day but were still relatively weak. I decided to try to sleep and only got about an hour in before my (now very strong) contractions woke me up. I knew I was in labor when I couldn't ignore the contractions anymore.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
If I had to choose, I guess I'd say the pain. But, I was ready for it.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Childbirth affirmations were a life saver. I had the Mama Natural cards and recordings. The cards were instrumental in calming any nerves I had leading up to labor/delivery. I didn't really get appreciate the recording prior to labor/delivery. Honestly, I found it a bit hokey and it would mostly just make me laugh. I never ever would have guessed how immensely helpful it would be during labor though. It helped keep me calm and positive.
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What surprised you about your birth?
With my first, I say I pushed "like a crazy person." As a result, pushing was fast and almost painless but I tore in both directions and required stitches. For this birth, I was determined to listen to my body during the pushing phase. As a result, I pushed much more gently and didn't need stitches (hooray!), but pushing took a long time and I felt every thing. I felt when she crowned (over and over again), I felt her shoulders come out and I even felt the placenta come out. Her head also came out with my water still intact, which was definitely surprising. She wasn't born in the sac though as my midwife saw her try to breathe and promptly broke my water.
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I felt shock, bewilderment, empowerment and immense relief (I did it, the pain is over!).
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Hands down the birth affirmation recording was the most helpful pain relief tool I used. Besides that, I was in the tub for transition while my husband provided counter pressure and that was really helpful.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Even though I had as much freedom as I wanted, I somewhat ironically delivered on my back in the bed, just like my first (hospital) birth.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
I felt shock, bewilderment, empowerment and immense relief (I did it, the pain is over!).
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Go with a birth center or home birth. My first was in a hospital and my labor stalled (for 10 hours!) as soon as I walked into that sterile, fluorescent-lit environment. Get a birth affirmation recording for during labor. Know that you can do this.
