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When did you realize you were really in labor?
The night of my due date, (Easter Sunday), I started cramping. I got into the bathtub and continued this all through the night. At 645am, I noticed bloody show and knew it was time to call my midwife. She met me at the hospital and I was 5cm dilated!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Pushing. This was my 2nd baby and I pushed for an hour and 57 minutes due to the baby's position. Crazy!
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I don't think I can narrow it down, so I'll say listening to my Mama Natural scriptural birth affirmations and worship music daily, and practicing holding an ice cube while I put my focus elsewhere.
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What surprised you about your birth?
That I was able to handle the contractions so well. I was told by my labor nurse and my Midwife multiple times that I "Rocked It"! They were really truly impressed and to hear that, meant the world to me. I'm a L&D nurse, and I've seen LOTS of births, I finally got the one I wanted and I am forever grateful!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Breathing for sure! Hands & knees, counter pressure by my husband, the shower and my hot rice sock.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Knee-chest which really surprised me. We pushed in lots of positions but when she finally came out, that's how I was laying.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Incredible!!!! I was on intermittent monitoring, moved around the whole time, there were low lights and quiet voices, my 'birth plan'' (which wasn't written out - I just discussed with my midwife at my visits, and chose my nurse as that's where I work) was very much respected. I want to tell all mom's who will deliver in a hospital that it is still possible to have a natural, unmedicated birth! You must communicate with your care providers and create a sacred space, that is, your very own birthing center.
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How did the Mama Natural Birth Class help you in your childbirth?
It helped me believe in myself! I loved hearing other women's stories, learning about new strategies, how to mentally prepare (which is something I didn't do as much of with my first daughter) and listening to those scriptural affirmations!
