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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I was having terrible Braxton Hicks contractions a few weeks leading up to my labor. The morning of, I thought the same was happening, but they seemed to get more intense each time. After about 5 contractions, the app I was using said to go to the hospital. I called the midwife to check in with her & she told me to take a 20 minute bath to see if the contractions would stop. 2 hours later we were heading to the birth center in VERY active labor.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging thing was the mental aspect. Having a low pain tolerance, there were many times I doubted whether or not I would really have a successful drug-free birth. There were also times were I thought I might just be as crazy as others thought I was for even considering going that route.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I watched YouTube videos of water births, read articles & books, listened to a calming childbirth app, wrote down affirmations & scriptures, etc. Anything POSITIVE that could help me visualize what my labor could potentially be like, I immersed myself in.
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What surprised you about your birth?
The MOST surprising thing about my birth was that I DID IT! I really had a baby without medicine...& in the water just like I desired & prayed for. The other surprising thing was how fast it went: FIVE hour labor! Nothing like my first two births.
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Do. Your. Research! Make sure you are prepared as much as possible. Avoid negative people, birth stories, comments, labor & delivery videos, etc.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Being in the water, especially at the birth center, was the best pain relief. My support team was also critical in helping me stay calm & encouraged through each contraction.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I was on my knees in the birth tub with my arms wrapped around my husband's neck (he was sitting outside of the tub). I actually didn't know it was time to push because everything was happening so fast but I think this was a great position to help my body work with gravity.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Holding my baby for the first time, I felt like superwoman!!! The whole experience was surreal & one of the best days of my life. I'm STILL in shock 2 weeks later that I gave birth in the water...& without medicine!! It was amazing!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Do. Your. Research! Make sure you are prepared as much as possible. Avoid negative people, birth stories, comments, labor & delivery videos, etc. Create a supportive birth team. Pray & have faith that your body knows what to do & that everything will happen the way it's supposed to.
