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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I was three days overdue and has visited my midwife on Friday afternoon. I was only 1cm dialated so thought I was days away from labor. I woke up at 5am on Saturday morning to use the bathroom and felt funny when I stood up. I woke up my husband to tell him I thought something was happening and he tried to calm me down. At that moment my water broke, spectacularly, all over the floor. We burst out laughing and it kept coming. We'd read all the stuff saying your water might not "break" or go unnoticed. This was like a waterfall! That's when we knew it was real!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Honestly, justifying it to people with strong pro-hospital, pro-epidural stances.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Reading about other women's experiences and understanding the phases of labor. It was a huge help to be able to envision how the baby was progressing through me and what I could do to help to make it more about getting her out safely that focusing on the pain. That, and a hugely supportive partner.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How little I remembered once my daughter was in my arms! Everything is surprising, not matter how you prepare. It's like nothing else. It was painful, but also amazing to experience. I think the most surprising was how hard it is to give up control. Once I stopped resisting the pain and contractions and listened to my body, it made all the difference. I had an uncomplicated pregnancy and an uncomplicated home birth. I feel incredibly lucky to have been able to experience it this way.
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Trust your gut. If it feels right, do it. Make sure you trust your body, you are designed to do this.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Massage and a heating pad. I labored in the tub for maybe 2 hours, but it slowed me down.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
In a reclined position in the bed.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Incredible. Beautiful. Like my heart was on the outside of my body.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Trust your gut. If it feels right, do it. Make sure you trust your body, you are designed to do this. Don't beat yourself up if you can't do it exactly the way you plan it. Surround yourself with the right people who will support you through it.
