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When did you realize you were really in labor?
Since this is my third birth, I knew after a few contractions it was probably the real thing. My "real" contractions are felt in my back, and that's what I was feeling.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
My back labor. Also birthing the placenta was really hard this time around.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Ironically by NOT preparing or stressing about it! That's the best part about having done a natural birth already is that I didn't stress or feel anxious about it. I pretty much knew what was coming and how I would do it.
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What surprised you about your birth?
Birthing the placenta! I ended up having a giant placenta and it felt like I birthed another child! I also ended up birthing standing up which wasn't planned and surprised us all.
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You have to be committed and you have to have support (an advocate for you). Also, when you feel like you absolutely can NOT do it anymore, you are actually in the home stretch!!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
My husband putting pressure on my back. The hot shower in the hospital (hot water on my back) - glorious pain relief.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Standing.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Sadly I didn't get to enjoy it right away, I was still in quite a bit of pain and had to work really hard to birth my placenta. Thankfully my husband took off his shirt and did skin to skin with the baby until I was finally ready. But THEN, my heart exploded of course.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
You have to be committed and you have to have support (an advocate for you). Also, when you feel like you absolutely can NOT do it anymore, you are actually in the home stretch!!
