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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I was watching Catching Fire with my husband when my water broke at 9:15 pm. Surges started within fifteen minutes and were 3-4 minutes apart from the very beginning.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The drive to the hospital was the most challenging part. I felt the urge to push but didn't because we were still in the car and I had only been in labor for about 2 hours.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I absolutely loved reading books about natural childbirth! I read several, but my favorite was Ina May's Guide to Natural Childbirth. I also found my hypnobirthing class helpful. I would practice the rainbow relaxation every night as I took an epsom salt bath. I found this very relaxing and helpful to prepare my mind for birth.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How fast my labor and delivery was! I gave birth at 1:34 am. So that is about 4 hours and 15 minutes of labor with my first baby. I didn't have time to rest or eat a big meal while I labored at home. I just showered while my husband put everything in the car, and then we were off! I didn't have time to try different positions for the first or second stage of labor because it all happened so fast.
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Know that God made your body to be able to do this. You are capable to have a natural and painfree birth! If research soothes you, read as many natural childbirth books and stories as you can! Prepare your mind by relaxing and making sure you view birth as a natural part of a woman's life. Prepare your body with exercise, even if it is just going for a walk each day.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Relaxed breathing really helped me. My doula also used a cold rag on my forehead and my husband rubbed my arm and reminded me to fully relax when I had any tension.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I ended up delivering in a semi reclined position. It wasn't what I had planned on, but when the OB checked my cervix upon I was already dilated 10 centimeters. First thing she said was, "Looks like it is time to have this baby!" So I was just scootched down to the end of the bed. At that point I didn't mind. I was just so relieved to finally be able to push!
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
At first I was just shocked! I couldn't believe that she was already born when they placed her skin to skin on my belly. After a few seconds I was just so unbelievably happy to finally be holding my little girl
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Know that God made your body to be able to do this. You are capable to have a natural and painfree birth! If research soothes you, read as many natural childbirth books and stories as you can! Prepare your mind by relaxing and making sure you view birth as a natural part of a woman's life. Prepare your body with exercise, even if it is just going for a walk each day.
