Read Ina May Gaskin's Books and Discussing All Her Fears and Goals With Her Midwife Helped Marie During Her Home Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

After going to the movies with my husband and daughter and having contractions every 5 minutes getting stronger.
What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

A one hour car ride, most of which I was in transition with back to back contractions.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?

Read Ina May Gaskin's books and discussed all of my fears and goals with my midwife.
What surprised you about your birth?

How fast it was! For a VBAC, I was expecting it to be longer, but hard labor was only 3 hours plus 45 minutes pushing. And the pool was amazing!!
You can do it! Have a good support team, especially a doula and have your partner take some classes so he/she knows how to support you during labor.
What pain relief strategies worked best?

The water in the birth pool was amazing.
What position did you end up delivering in?

Squatting.
How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?

Empowering and just pure joy.
What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?

You can do it! Have a good support team, especially a doula and have your partner take some classes so he/she knows how to support you during labor.

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