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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I had been in prodromal labor for nearly 2 weeks with off and on true contractions.. Finally that Saturday night after a fun night at home of pizza, a glass of wine, and homemade soap making contractions started (again) around 9 PM. We headed out to the birthing center at midnight once I could no longer talk through the contractions.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Nothing, it’s easier! I had a heavily medicated birth with my first and hated it. My second was unmedicated but still left on a hospital bed (with a nurse midwife attending). This was my third and he was born all natural in a tub and I was so focused and in tune with myself and baby. I highly recommend it!!
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Hypnobabies home study course for sure! I was able to really focus on my breathing throughout second stage labor. I listened to the tracks at home all throughout prodromal labor, then in early labor and in the car on the way to the birthing center. Once in the tub I remembered my cues and techniques and continued to stay focused.
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What surprised you about your birth?
The speed! At my first false alarm visit to the birthing center I had been at 1 1/2 before being sent home, second time was 2 1/2-3 ish. The final time going we had left the house at midnight after 3 hours of contractions getting consistently stronger.. we arrived at 12:30, in the tub within 5-10 minutes, and baby was born at 1:30! We were only at the birthing center for an hour before he was born! Talk about timing.
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Amazing. I know I had already had 2 kids already but holding him for the first time was incredible because I truly had my dream birthing experience. I had done it and was on cloud nine! Holding him after really doing it all myself was amazing.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Concentration. I don’t know if I could have handled it without my hypnobabies course. I focused on Why the pain was so strong. That it was leading me to my baby’s arrival. I knew each contraction had a purpose so I breathed through them and focused on getting my baby earth-side.
But most of all having my midwife there quietly and calming encouraging me, guiding me through the pain, and telling me how great I was doing helped SO much.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On my knees with arms and head resting on the side of the tub.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Amazing. I know I had already had 2 kids already but holding him for the first time was incredible because I truly had my dream birthing experience. I had done it and was on cloud nine! Holding him after really doing it all myself was amazing.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Choose a midwife you can connect with. This is so important. You want to feel supported and understood. You also want your midwife to understand and respect your wants and needs. Otherwise get a doula to be your support!
Educate yourself! Do your research. Know what you want, it’s Your birth and so long as there are no True emergencies you Can have the birthing experience you want. Don’t let any doctor scare you into an unnecessary induction, or pitocin to “speed things along” or an epidural if you don’t want one, especially don’t let them scare you into an episiotomy. It’s Your birth. Rock it! ❤️
