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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I woke up at 3:30 in the morning on December 21, 2016 and went to the bathroom because I had some cramping, sure enough there was a bloody show. Knowing from my Bradley Method classes, I remained calm because they didn't I was having the baby that day. I woke again at 4:30 pm and went to the bathroom, low and behold I lost my mucus plug. I still remained calm because my due date was December 31st and I was a first time mama so I didn't expect to go early. My husband got home around 7:00am and we went to breakfast. At 11:00 am we decided to take a nap and get some rest if the real deal was going to happen. At 11:30am I suddenly woke up to a huge gush of water, my water definitely broke. After my water broke I knew for sure it was go time!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
How long my labor was, from the time my water broke to the time I delivered was 27 hours. I had three hours of hard pushing!
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Took the Bradley Method course. This gave my husband and I the peace of mind knowing that we were making the right decision to have the baby at home and to work together as a team.
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What surprised you about your birth?
Well it didn't surprise me but made me feel so blessed that my husband was right by my side cheering me on the whole time! He knew exactly what to do during the whole labor because he had properly prepared by taking the Bradley Method course. He gave me the strength I needed after 3 hours of hard pushing to finally bring our beautiful daughter into this world. He was the one that caught her which is very special. We have always been a team throughout our relationship but the birth of our daughter just confirmed the fact that we are meant to be together!
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It's not easy and it hurts! Preparing and having the right support group is key. I am so glad that we decided to do a home birth. I remember every single detail of my labor because I went unmedicated, no better feeling than that. Definitely empowering to know that I did it and I can't wait to do it again!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Staying relaxed and letting go!
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Squatting
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It is an all consuming feeling that I can't even put in to words. I've always known that I was meant to be a mother BUT wow that feeling when you first see the child that you created and grew inside of you for all those months, it's just indescribable!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
It's not easy and it hurts! Preparing and having the right support group is key. I am so glad that we decided to do a home birth. I remember every single detail of my labor because I went unmedicated, no better feeling than that. Definitely empowering to know that I did it and I can't wait to do it again!
