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When did you realize you were really in labor?
My water broke at 3:45am and I was only 36 weeks pregnant! We were planning a home birth, but my baby decided he was ready to come out a bit early (too early to be born at home). I didn't feel like I was really in labor until about 8:30 PM.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Getting into the labor mindset... I purposely rested for awhile because my doctor wanted me to get two rounds of antibiotics because I had not been tested for b strep yet. I was feeling a mixture of emotions.... I was frustrated that things were not progressing quickly, and sad that I was away from my daughter (our first time being apart for more than a few hours), and excited to meet my sweet baby. Once I got in the groove and in the right mindset, things progressed quickly.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Read Ina May Gaskin books, took a natural birth class, and went to the chiropractor. I also spent time thinking about the birth; I was determined to work with my body and not against it.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How quickly it passed! I only had 3-4 hours of hard labor.
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Read empowering birth stories, and take good care of yourself! Educate yourself as much as you can, and have a good support team. My doula and partner helped so much during my labor. They helped me to stay positive!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Movement... Walked, swayed, and sat on the birthing ball throughout labor. I got in the shower at the end and started feeling pressure in my bottom shortly after. The water felt good, but I had to put my head out of the shower during contractions to get air! Vocalizing during contractions seemed to help, and having my partner put pressure on my back and hips helped too.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Reclined on my back... Not what I had planned but it was comfortable.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Amazing! I caught him and brought him up to my chest. I was so proud of him and how we worked through labor together.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Read empowering birth stories, and take good care of yourself! Educate yourself as much as you can, and have a good support team. My doula and partner helped so much during my labor. They helped me to stay positive!
