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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I went through 4 days of prodromal labor. I tried many natural ways to progress labor, but I was still getting constant contractions/Braxton Hicks every 5 minutes. My midwife suggested going to the chiropractor. After my adjustment, I went to the grocery store and began feeling more intense contractions. I called my husband on the way home to tell him to leave work. This was all so different than I had felt the last several days, so I knew I would be having my baby soon. After I got home, they continued and became more intense. I knew I was in labor!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging thing about going natural was how tiring it was. My labor was 20 hours long, so my energy was running very low. There were times when I thought I was going to have to be transferred to the hospital to get things to move along. But thankfully my birth team was able to sustain me.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I did so much to prepare. I took a Bradley class, hired a doula, read several books, ate lots of protein, drank a lot of water, listened to hypnobirthing tracks and exercised. I think the most helpful was the mental preparation. So a combination of reading Ina May's guide to childbirth, hypnobirthing and my Bradley class. I was able to zone out during labor and conserve my energy.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I had always heard about how the urge to push is unavoidable and very strong. I never felt a strong urge to push! In fact, I pushed out my baby with pretty weak contractions.
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I did so much to prepare. I took a Bradley class, hired a doula, read several books, ate lots of protein, drank a lot of water, listened to hypnobirthing tracks and exercised. I think the most helpful was the mental preparation.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
My favorite pain relief strategies were counter pressure on my hips from my husband and doula. And the hot birthing tub. It was amazing!!
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I got the baby to crown on the toilet with my legs in a squat. Then I moved to the birthing tub to deliver. I was squatting and leaning back against the side of the tub.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
The only thought in my mind was "how can I ever do this again?!" I was pretty overwhelmed after 20 hours of labor with three hours of pushing!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Do as much research about birth and medical interventions as you can. Know that your body is made to give birth. Even if you don't get the urge to push, you can do it without pitocin or a vacuum extraction! Learn about different labor intensive positions and mentally prepare yourself.
