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When did you realize you were really in labor?
When my water broke while I was at home. Contractions didn't start until a couple hours later at the hospital.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Honestly, in the moment there was never any doubt or option to change the course. I would say pushing was the most intense part of the experience but also the most exciting because I knew I was almost there.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Getting the right team on board. Switching to a fully midwife based practice who supported my views and wishes doethe birth was key. We ended up having a midwife intern with is who was a trained doula. Her help was invaluable. This along with really working through my fears about childbirth and being able to face them beforehand was a very valuable piece in my ability to feel confidence in my body's ability to handle this.
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What surprised you about your birth?
What surprised me was how things got intense quickly. I was not able to utilize a lot of the tools I had brought with me (essential oils, homeopathic, crystals etc.) Because I really just had to go inward and couldn't think about anything else. Next time I would have someone else in charge of these things so they could offer them during the process.
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Being well versed and informed on the physical process and potential interventions really helped my husband and I to feel confident in our choices and well prepared. Especially helpful as a source of information for my husband as he is not a big reader!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Having counter hip pressure from my husband was really helpful along with breathing techniques. Just closing my eyes, going inward and resting in between
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Surprisingly on my back, I was lying on my side through the more intense contractions ruins then just turned when it was time to push.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
I don't know if words can describe it. It was the most exhilarating and awe inspiring moment of my life. There is truly nothing like it and I'll never forget that moment when they placed her on my chest for the first time.
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How did the Mama Natural Birth Class help you in your childbirth?
Being well versed and informed on the physical process and potential interventions really helped my husband and I to feel confident in our choices and well prepared. Especially helpful as a source of information for my husband as he is not a big reader!