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When did you realize you were really in labor?
Prodromal labor: regular contractions 3 evenings in a row for about 3-4 hours night.
On birth day water broke at 3 pm, and we got labor going from there.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Car ride to hospital in transition was not very comfortable! Because I preferred standing in labor and couldn't stand in the car!
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Read birth stories. Reflect on previous births. Hire a doula. Take a natural birth class (previous pregnancy).
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What surprised you about your birth?
Active labor was much faster than my previous labors (only 6 hours from water breaking to birth). This excludes prodromal labor time.
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Know that when you feel like you can't do it anymore, you are already doing it! And you are almost done! Just one contraction at a time!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Prodromal labor - heat pad and rest.
Active - standing, swaying, leaning on door frame. Making low sounds on exhale - slow breaths...
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On very edge of bed, almost sit position.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Amazing. Euphoric.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Know that when you feel like you can't do it anymore, you are already doing it! And you are almost done! Just one contraction at a time!
