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When did you realize you were really in labor?
When I had a bloody show, followed immediately with water breaking.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Not laboring in water. It was like night and day. Only I wish I delayed getting into the water until much later when I found it very unbearable because being in water relaxed my muscles so much that it slowed the progress.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Read books, watched positive birth videos, did yoga religiously, did lots of mental visualisations and they came true!!!
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What surprised you about your birth?
That I could not pee or have a bowel movement even though I wanted to. This is just unique to some women. I did not know pushing was not just pushing but a second level of deeper pushing with all of your strength..phew!!
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I did not know pushing was not just pushing but a second level of deeper pushing with all of your strength..phew!!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Laboring in water!!!
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Squatting sort of sitting on butt.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Like magic! Surreal. Suddenly there was another person in the room and magic happens!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Visualize, Visualize, Visualize the birth you want but stay open to how things might evolve.
Stay limber with yoga etc.
Get into the water when you think you really need a pain medication- avoid going in before that because you may not want to get out :)!!
Find out in advance if your midwife can use a catheter should you not be able to pee during labor or find an alternative. A full bladder can crowd your pelvic area and not allow baby to descend as easily.
