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When did you realize you were really in labor?
When I was in transition. 20 minute labor and birth.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Handling transition.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I think having a previous Homebirth was the most helpful aspect.
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What surprised you about your birth?
We were told via early ultrasound (with supposedly 98% accuracy) that we were having our third boy. My husband says my face when my midwife said "it's a girl!" Was absolutely priceless. It was the shock of a lifetime.
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Support! Don't go to a hospital where you know you won't be supported for your wishes. You can absolutely do this. You can handle the pain. Welcome the feeling of your body naturally working towards the end goal.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Being on all fours, deep breaths, a wet washcloth on my forehead. If I would have had the time, the birth pool sounds amazing.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On my knees with my front bent over my bathtub wall.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It truly is such a moment of "oh my gosh, I actually did it!" Even though it was my second Homebirth, I feel like it is such an accomplishment to do this twice after having a c-section with my first child.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Support! Don't go to a hospital where you know you won't be supported for your wishes. My first ended in a csection and I was not confident enough to turn down all the interventions the nurses pushed on me. You can absolutely do this. You can handle the pain. Welcome the feeling of your body naturally working towards the end goal.
