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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I woke up with contractions at 1am that were already 4 min apart. I realized these were real contractions and not just Braxton Hicks when I couldn't lay down and I had to pace around the room to get through each one.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
My labor was very quick. I woke up at 1am with contractions and had my baby at 3:44am just barely getting to the hospital on time. I had been mentally prepared to go natural but everything happened so fast I didn't have time to process what was going on. I just tried to focus on each contraction and keep my body as relaxed as I could.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I was trying for a VBAC this time so I did a lot of research and I also opted to have the support of a doula. Having my doula and knowing she would be there to support my husband and I took a lot of pressure off of us. She was a very calming presence.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How fast it was!
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Consider the support of a doula! And also to give yourself grace. It's okay if your birth plan changes during labor and you decide you want some relief. You can only plan so much but you also have to listen to your body.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Walking! There was no way to keep still and walking helped to take my mind off the pain. And deep breaths kept me from tensing up.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On my knees facing the back of the hospital bed.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Surreal! So many emotions and it's just a flood of trying to process what just happened and relief that the pushing was over!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Consider the support of a doula! And also to give yourself grace. It's okay if your birth plan changes during labor and you decide you want some relief. You can only plan so much but you also have to listen to your body.
