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When did you realize you were really in labor?
My water broke on Monday June 19th in the morning while I was walking on the treadmill at the gym. I did not realize it had broken until later that day when I felt a slow trickle as we were sitting down to eat dinner. Contractions started around midnight that night and continued to get stronger into the morning. We headed to the birth center around 5am on Tuesday morning.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The pain of the contractions as they intensified were the most challenging part. I had back labor and it was extremely painful. I pushed for over an hour and got to a point where I thought he would never come out!
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
My husband and I took hypnobirthing classes which helped so much. I also cannot thank my incredible doula enough for her support. Without her there I probably would have ended up going to the hospital for an epidural. I begged them to take me a couple times but she kept me calm and assured me I could do this.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How fast you forget about the pain once your precious baby arrives. I was also incredibly surprised and thankful at how amazing my husband was through the delivery. I thought for sure he would pass out but he was with me every step of the way.
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Prepare yourself. Read a lot of books. The knowledge I came away with from Ina May and my hypnobirthing classes gave me the confidence to know that despite the pain my body was made to do this.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
The birthing tub was a life saver.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
After trying to push in the tub for a while I ended up on the bed. Pushing on all fours was not working so I ended up delivering laying on my left side with my right leg pulled up as I pushed.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Euphoria. A feeling I can't even explain. I was instantly in love and overwhelmed with emotion.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Prepare yourself. Read a lot of books. The knowledge I came away with from Ina May and my hypnobirthing classes gave me the confidence to know that despite the pain my body was made to do this.
