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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I was in denial that I was actually in labor for quite some time! I kept telling everyone it was probably a false alarm. I think I finally knew I was in labor when I took a hot shower and the contractions did not let up.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Both my labors were precipitous, so I was lucky to have very short active labor phases. But my contractions have VERY small breaks in between, and I struggle to relax and catch my breath before the next one starts.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
We took Bradley Method classes with our first baby, and that gave us the confidence to go natural as well as a wealth of information on birth. For my second baby, we hired an amazing midwife who reminded me to trust in my body and that I could do it again.
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What surprised you about your birth?
Everything, ha! She came early while my first was 42 weeks. The labor was even faster than my last, and we didn't have time to fill the tub or finish preparing the bed. My midwife arrived after her head was born and literally seconds before her body came out. My mom who lives 5 minutes away didn't even make it! But I LOVED having a home birth and was blessed with a beautiful, healthy baby girl after only 45 minutes of hard labor.
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It reminded me that I could do this again! That my body was made to deliver babies and that doing so naturally has many advantages for me and my baby. I was informed, confident and ready.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Swaying and moaning through the tough contractions helped, and I eventually labored on my hands and knees when things got really intense. Knowing that every contraction was bringing my baby closer kept me going!
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Although I had planned a water birth, I ended up giving birth flat on my back in bed. Not the ideal position for most moms, but it worked for me in the moment!
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Holding my baby girl for the first time was amazing! Even though she was my second baby, she was my first girl and I really felt reborn as a mother.
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How did the Mama Natural Birth Class help you in your childbirth?
It reminded me that I could do this again! That my body was made to deliver babies and that doing so naturally has many advantages for me and my baby. I was informed, confident and ready.
