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When did you realize you were really in labor?
Around 12:45 in the morning, three days after my due date, I woke up suddenly with what I thought was a stomach ache. I thought I needed to go to the bathroom, so I got up and headed to the toilet. Once I sat down, I felt and heard a pop. My water had broken.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Since this was my third unmedicated birth, the thing that I found most challenging was remembering the pain that comes along with it. I had a lot of anxiety leading up to this birth. I started to doubt my abilities and started to really remember the hard work that it is. However, it was also a blessing to remember because I knew going into this labor that I really COULD do it.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I found comfort in talking to my friends who were pregnant at the same time as me. My husband and I also got a lot out of our birth refresher course that we took at the birth center. We took a child birth class before we had our first baby but it had been over four years. It was helpful to learn new techniques for coping with pain and also to talk to other expectant parents who would be delivering at the same birth center as us.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How quick it was and how big the baby was! This was my fastest labor at only about an hour, and he was our biggest baby at 9lbs 2oz! Almost three pounds heavier than our first baby!
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A sweet heavenly euphoria. It’s a feeling like no other I have ever experienced, and I’m sure never will again.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Being on my hands and knees was the only thing that comforted me during this labor.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Hands and knees on the bed.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
A sweet heavenly euphoria. It’s a feeling like no other I have ever experienced, and I’m sure never will again.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
I've been following Mama Natural for almost five years! You are part of the reason I wanted to have a natural birth and you are definitely the reason I'm currently living the healthy lifestyle that I am!
