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When did you realize you were really in labor?
My water broke around 8pm the evening before my due date - I didn't feel anything remotely like a contraction until about 10pm. My husband finally convinced me that "cramping" that was bringing me to my knees DEFINITELY counted as labour as we called the midwives to tell them to come over!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I am not sure I can answer this question well because an intervention-free birth is the only birth I have known, so far. There were a few moments when I felt a bit panicked but it had nothing to do with wanting pain relief. I have no regrets on that front.
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Peterborough-20140605-00231
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I spent the entire pregnancy reading empowering books (a lot of Ina May Gaskin) and watching ALL of the live birth videos I could watch, including yours, Mama Natural! By the time my own birth journey began, there was no doubt in my mind that my body could deliver this child if I just let go and went with it. I swayed, moaned, sang, walked, cried, and gave my neighbours a show they still tease me about!
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What surprised you about your birth?
How quickly it went! From my water breaking to W arriving earthside, the whole thing lasted less than 6 hours!
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This is going to sound like a load of you know what... I don't recall being in pain.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
This is going to sound like a load of you know what... I don't recall being in pain. I abandoned myself to birth. I vocalized as much and as loudly as I wanted and that REALLY helped me work through everything. I kept moving and changing positions. When I was finally able to get into the birthing pool (I was GBS positive and had to wait for a midwife to arrive to administer antibiotics vis IV before I could get in) it was a huge relief. The weightlessness of the water really let me "zone out".
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I was crouching with my back against the side of the birthing tub, supported by my husband, and facing my midwives.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
I don't think I remember. I was in a complete daze. I remember saying "Look at her nose!" and "My baby, my baby" a lot... I was happy. I was scared. She was small and lovely.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Two things. First, believe. Believe that your body can and will birth that baby. If you have doubts blocking you up, you are more likely to have a more challenging time. Second, do not be rigid in your expectations. Making an ideal birth plan is all fine and well BUT you must allow for EVERYTHING to change at any time. Just go with the process - know what you want and what you don't want but allow for compromise.
