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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I thought I was around 9 pm Saturday night but contractions were easy. When my husband got home from work I went to sleep just in case And in the interest of being well rested. I woke around 2 am sunday with contractions I couldn't sleep through.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
This was my second natural vbac. I think the last hour or two are the hardest. Just when it gets so hard you think you cannot do it, it's almost finished!
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Swimming!!!! I swim for fitness and I swam a lot throughout this (my 3rd) pregnancy.
I also enjoyed reading birth stories on mama natural's site and other natural birth resources.
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What surprised you about your birth?
It was so different from my first vbac! Contractions weren't as hard until the end, they were farther apart for much of my labor, they got even farther in the middle despite the fact that we walked laps at the mall during that time, and after a short rest at home after the mall I was 8 cm when we got to the hospital and she was born 2.5 hours later at 9:30 pm!
My water didn't break until right before Angwin was born which also surprised me!
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Listen to your body! Be confident in your God-given strength and Have someone there to reassure you in case you forget.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
I needed verbal reassurance from my husband that each contraction was going to end and that I was capable! Also, not holding my breath:)
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Sort of on my side and sort of on my back. I preferred my side during most of the end of my labor.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Like I had won a marathon! I fought the fight, finished the race, and got the prize!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Listen to your body! Be confident in your God-given strength and Have someone there to reassure you in case you forget.
