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When did you realize you were really in labor?
Three minutes after my water broke! Contractions came fast and furious!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Waiting! I didn't think I'd go late with my third pregnancy but I went to 41.4!
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Stretching my perineum, hiring a doula, preparing my children for the birth event, finding a midwife I love!
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What surprised you about your birth?
I was super surprised to go so late! And also to decide to have my waters broken in an effort to stay out of the hospital.
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The class was such a helpful refresher and fun to watch! It was very well done and we enjoyed spending time together each week watching it from our home while our 4 young children slept!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
My birth team constantly reminded me to vocalize correctly and matching their sounds even during a contraction helped me to not focus on the pain. My doula and husband also pushed on my hips. And I squeezed my husband's hand as hard as I could.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I wanted to catch my baby AND not tear so my midwife had encouraged me to be open to sidelying. Turned out to be perfect - to catch my 10 lb baby AND not tear!
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Incredible! I had anticipated that moment (again) for months but when it was finally here, it was just glorious. A holy moment.
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How did the Mama Natural Birth Class help you in your childbirth?
The class was such a helpful refresher and fun to watch! It was very well done and we enjoyed spending time together each week watching it from our home while our 4 young children slept!
