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When did you realize you were really in labor?
When contractions were getting closer together and getting increasingly intense.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I had back labor that really made things difficult. There were a couple of times I wanted to give up on going natural. Also, the mindset was hard. I had a hard time getting out of a negative mindset a few times.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Listening to birth stories, finding a supportive midwife and doula, and doing spinning babies exercises.
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What surprised you about your birth?
Once my water broke, things went super fast! I had him 3 hours after my water was broken!
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Get a doula, find a really supportive provider (I recommend a midwife), and really work on mindset and affirmations. Listen to birth stories of others who have gone natural.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
My doula used a lot of counter pressure on my lower back to help with the back labor (that made things more bearable), laboring in the tub with jets, and I used nitrous oxide during the pushing stage. All these things worked -0
so well!
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It felt magical! With my first baby I had an unexpected c-section, so being able to pull my baby to my chest immediately and have that skin to skin right away was so magical. It felt like such a sweet victory.
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What did you name your baby, and why?
Theophilus Ezra. Because Theophilus means “lover of God” and we wanted to raise him to know and love God. Ezra because it means “God is my help” and the whole pregnancy I knew I would need help from God to have the power for a successful VBAC!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Get a doula, find a really supportive provider (I recommend a midwife), and really work on mindset and affirmations. Listen to birth stories of others who have gone natural.
