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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I was having some light contractions the night before and in the morning they continued but didn’t seem to get any more intense. By noon the contractions were much closer together and they continued to build as time progressed. That’s when I knew it was getting more real and I had to call my Midwives.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Not knowing how long the discomfort would last, also being at home, not knowing when the Midwives would arrive and anxiety that I would have to deliver my own baby with my husbands help.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Seeing Midwives, stretching daily and exercising, and incorporating foods that are supposed to help with labor (dates, red raspberry leaf tea).
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What surprised you about your birth?
How quickly and smoothly everything went. Everything went exactly as I hoped, and I was able to have a successful and safe home birth water birth.
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Trust that you can do this and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise or make you doubt your choices!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Laboring in water was amazing for pain relief.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I wound up delivering my daughter while lying down propped up by my elbows but changing positions and squatting really allowed me to have effective pushes.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It felt so amazing! After going through such an intense labor, it was so rewarding to be able to see my baby girl and hold her for the first time!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
The best advice I can give is to be well informed of all your options. Make sure that your healthcare provider is on your side and an advocate and partner in your birth journey. Trust that you can do this and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise or make you doubt your choices!
