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When did you realize you were really in labor?
Due to high blood pressure my midwife had to transfer care to an OB at 41 weeks 2 days. So my planned second home birth turned into a hospital birth. Labor started about 20 minutes after he broke my water.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Thankfully labor only lasted 2 hrs 40 min from the time my water was broken, so no further interventions were needed. Being in the hospital and knowing this time pain relief was available made it very tempting, as I have had two intervention, drug free births previously, but labor progressed very quickly so no time.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Read others stories, stay focused on the outcome. Not find out gender so to have something really special to look forward to.
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What surprised you about your birth?
That my third labor was emotionally the hardest. The speed of labor was not unusual as my second had been just over 3 hrs at home, but being in hospital and having to be monitored was tough.
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Read others stories, stay focused on the outcome. Not find out gender so to have something really special to look forward to.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Breathing and focusing on bringing my baby this side.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On my hands and knees with the hospital bed slightly inclined.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
I was swept with relief that she was here, safe and healthy. Pure bliss.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Focus on the end.
