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When did you realize you were really in labor?
When I had an overwhelming desire to pace the floor and did not want to sit through the contractions.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
My labor was really long and I often thought about going to the hospital for medication but luckily I had a great birth team that supported me. Had I been in a hospital, I would have opted for medications but being at home, I did not have that option and I'm happy that I didn't.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I really educated my myself on the phases of labor and what to expect so when things came up, I didn't get scared, I knew what was 'normal' and what I could expect so I could feel empowered.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I was really surprised at how painful it was. Nothing prepared me for that and once I thought I was through the worst, it seemed that the next part was even more challenging.
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It was such a relief and he was so perfect.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
The birth pool saved me. I spent the most time in there and made the most progress when I was left on my own in the pool and could focus on myself and moving the baby down.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I was in the birth pool but on my back with my husband behind me holding me up.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It was such a relief and he was so perfect.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
I would not have had a natural home birth if not for my amazing OB. Circumstances arose that would have been an c-section had I been in a hospital but he handled everything and I had complete faith in him. So my advice is to choose your team wisely. I had a doula and a midwife as well that were both amazing and a great support to me. My husband and I also had multiple discussions on what I wanted and how he could help support me in my moments of weakness which I am thankful for. He talked me through many periods where I didn't know if I could do it.
