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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I had just settled in for the night when I felt light contractions start. I sat up, told my husband I was in labor, and headed to the bathroom for a nice long soak with a good book. Disappointingly enough, the bath was just as uncomfortable as my bed. Even more strange was the timing of contractions. Nothing seemed "textbook" and I could not find a pattern to my waves of pain. My anxious husband trickled in soon after, unable to sleep after my nonchalant announcement. I sent him back to bed, dressed myself, and sat down at the computer to double check the signals my body was shouting out. My body was rebelling. I could not sit or stand for long, and laying down was out of the question. I poked my head in and told my husband to pack his bag and call his parents(our wonderful babysitters). It had only been a mere hour since labor had begun, but intuition AND pain were pushing me to the brink of sanity. This was labor.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Honestly, convincing my husband that I could go natural with our third child was harder than convincing myself. He had seen 2 textbook inductions with minimal issues. Why tempt fate? However, I wanted this not just for me, but for our baby.
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daniel-and-me
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I found several helpful things in preparing for childbirth. First, I read good material about natural childbirth that included testimonies from real moms experiencing a wide range in labor and deliveries. Second, I talked with friends who were in the "natural delivery" camp. They not only gave me tips and strategies, but also encouraged me every step of the journey!!
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What surprised you about your birth?
There were many surprises with this birth. The speed of labor and delivery was incredible. I was only in labor for 3 hours from beginning to end. I was only at the hospital for 16 minutes before my son arrived. I actually checked in after I gave birth. I was able to feel the transitions, the urges, and the mental ability to handle the pain was completely doable. Having experienced pitocin-induced labor pain, this was HUGE!!!! Lastly the recovery time was fast. I was up walking minutes later. I ended up visiting a friend in another L & D room within a couple of hours post-delivery.
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Since 2 ultrasounds showed us having a girl, I was in shock and awe that I was holding a boy. I was incredibly proud of my body's ability to naturally birth this tiny, healthy surprise.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
A warm bath and focusing on ensuring my husband ran every red light between our house and the hospital. It was an intense focus...
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I delivered in the traditional on your back/legs up position. It was fast and my son was out in 2 or 3 pushes.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Since 2 ultrasounds showed us having a girl, I was in shock and awe that I was holding a boy. I was incredibly proud of my body's ability to naturally birth this tiny, healthy surprise. Even today, 4 years later, I still have that euphoric feeling when I remember the crazy night I gave birth to my third son!!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Go for it! If you are hesitant, seek support. Find someone who has given birth naturally. Read about women who have walked this path before you. KNOW YOUR DOCTOR and your hospital. Good intentions are hopeless if your medical staff is not behind you. Educate your spouse. Get him on board with your choices. If you want to have a natural childbirth, don't make excuses. It will be one of the best decisions you will ever make in your life!! I've never looked back since given birth to my son naturally. I did it again 2 years later with my daughter!!
