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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I'd been having contractions overnight and managing to go back to sleep between each one. I started timing them at about 5AM and realized they were about 5 minutes apart and lasting for about 30-45 seconds, so decided to call my midwife. I didn't want to get overexcited as I'd heard stories of false-starts. By the time our midwife arrived at 9AM, I was struggling to speak during contractions and she encouraged us to go for a walk. During the walk I had to stop every 5 meters or so for a contraction, and that's when it started to sink it that this was the real deal!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Honestly, there were times during labor that I thought "why am I doing this?"! But all my preparation paid off and I was able to focus on each contraction as it came, and get through. Her birth totally affirmed my decision as my hale and hearty 9.6 pound girl left barely any damage to me and within the hour we were snuggled up in bed with tea and toast!
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I re-framed my perspective on birth as a normal physiological process that my body was capable of, in order to go into labor genuinely without fear, but with confidence. I did this by avoiding conventional birth education, and instead taking a hypnobirthing course, attending prenatal yoga, listening to positive birth podcasts, and researching evidence based practice in birth. I also had the most amazing midwife who I trusted completely.
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What surprised you about your birth?
Honestly, I was so focused on getting through each little bit that I was kind of shocked when a baby popped out!!!
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Have faith in your body, and your baby. Get yourself into a genuinely positive mindset, and address any fears early to go into labor with genuine confidence.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Breathing through contractions and the birth pool. The TENS machine was also great for the initial contractions.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
In the pool, semi-reclined on my back with my hands under my bottom so my pelvis was floating in the water.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Incredible! I couldn't believe we'd made this perfect little person!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Have faith in your body, and your baby. Get yourself into a genuinely positive mindset, and address any fears early to go into labor with genuine confidence.
