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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I realized about 2 hours after it began that it was the real thing. The contractions were more consistent than my fake prodromal contractions I had for the last two weeks. They were consistent and increasing the pain. I kept moving to keep them going, fearing they would stop. I did a photo session while in labor, and called my midwife on the way home to let her know we would be coming in.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
For me it was not letting my anxiety take over. I was nervous, even though I had read up on everything, and was familiar with hypnobabies.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Did a lot of reading and birth story following to help myself get confident. I also talked a lot of it out with my husband beforehand so he would remain calm and not panic when I was in pain.
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What surprised you about your birth?
It hurts, and I was trying to get out of the tub during the ring of fire (fight or flight with FER) BUT it did NOT feel like I was pushing out an 8 pound 10-ounce baby. Honestly, the pain was mild compared to what I was expecting. The adrenaline after birth was so much more powerful and I'm so happy I did it naturally. If I decided to have another baby, I would choose it again over medicated.
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So worth everything I had just gone through. So exhilarating!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Water birth and going to my happy place. During contractions, my husband applied counter pressure and that really helped.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Sitting up in the tub
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
So worth everything I had just gone through. So exhilarating!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Read all the birth stories, join natural birth groups, read affirmations. You and your body CAN do this, and you will be glad you did!
