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When did you realize you were really in labor?
My husband (Malcolm) and I got into bed right around 11:20pm. At 11:39, laying on my side, I felt a very subtle pop in my abdomen. With the pop, a slightly stronger contraction came. This felt different than my usual Braxton Hicks so I decided to write it down. I shifted myself to get more comfortable for sleeping and as soon as I did, water started to come. I jumped out of bed and ran to the bathroom. Immediately a very strong contraction came and there was no doubt that I was in labor.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
As soon as my water broke, my contractions were very intense and roughly 2-3 minutes apart. With having so little time in between contractions to breathe, I found myself fighting back fear of the next contraction throughout labor. Thankfully, my labor progressed very quickly and by the time I arrived to triage to be examined I was already 6-7cm and in transition! This quick progression encouraged me to trust my body, as it clearly knew what it was doing!
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Reading Ina May's Guide to Childbirth book and listening to lots of Birth Hour podcasts really helped mentally prepare me for childbirth. I found myself being very encouraged and even excited as I immersed myself in the stories of natural childbirths. Aligning my mind with the truth that my body was designed to give birth to my baby also gave me courage, strength, and motivation.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How quick it went! All 9 months of my pregnancy, I had prepared myself for a long labor. I created soothing musical playlists, written out a long list of helpful laboring positions/stretches, and printed out words of encouragement for me to read. There was no time for me to put any of these things into practice! As soon as my water broke, my body went from zero to 60 and there was no turning back. After just 3 hours of labor, my little boy arrived and this was definitely the biggest surprise to both me and my husband.
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Words will never describe the overwhelming joy, awe, love, thankfulness, and adoration that overcame me when holding my baby for the first time. All was right with the world when he was placed into my arms.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
My husband, doula, and midwife all reminded me to breath slow breaths through contractions, which was helpful. I also received cold therapy through cold rags being placed on my head, neck, and lower back, which felt really good during labor. Prayer was another key component as it created an atmosphere of peace for me and my baby.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I was on my knees leaning over the back of the hospital bed, which was in an upright position.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Words will never describe the overwhelming joy, awe, love, thankfulness, and adoration that overcame me when holding my baby for the first time. All was right with the world when he was placed into my arms.
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How did the Mama Natural Birth Class help you in your childbirth?
It was a huge help to both me and my husband as we learned about the basics of childbirth along with hearing the stories of other couples who endured an unmedicated birth. The class reminded us of the beauty of birth and that there is nothing to be fearful of. We both walked away feeling empowered, encouraged, and ready to meet our son!
