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When did you realize you were really in labor?
7:30 on 5/2/18. Contractions woke me up at 4:00 but I wasn’t sure until about 7:30. I knew it was real because it hurts! I also could feel that baby’s head was very very low.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
My fear of tearing. I had an episiotomy scar from my first birth and I could tell this baby was much bigger. I never doubted my ability to do it until he was crowning and I thought I was tearing.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I made birth affirmation banners and educated myself on what to expect.
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What surprised you about your birth?
That baby was a boy! We didn’t know the gender but I really thought it was a girl!
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You CAN do this, and even if things don’t go the way you wanted them to, you can still do this. Listen to your body and trust in the process!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
I spent a lot of time in the shower and I also was very vocal, lots of low moaning. Moving during contractions, and having my husband or midwife support me.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Seated on the bed, leaning back a little bit with my legs butterflied out.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
I felt completely triumphant and so in awe that he was finally here.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
You CAN do this, and even if things don’t go the way you wanted them to, (the birth tub I was supposed to use was broken ?) you can still do this. Listen to your body and trust in the process!
