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When did you realize you were really in labor?
At around 12 o'clock pm after going to the toilet, I felt a twinge of a contraction and waited until I had the same twinge a few times before knowing that labour had started. I was in active labour by 1am.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I think the most challenging thing about going natural was realising that it was a a marathon- well what I thought was going to be a marathon and having enough distractions and tools to cope with the pain. And PRAYER! It really was just me and Jesus in those precious pain moments. The contractions picked up very quickly and it ended up being a total of 2 hours. I didn't have time to process the intensity of the contractions as they were strong and fast, it was about knowing that I could do it and being empowered by that. Having had a 15hr water birth with my first daughter, I knew I could do it, it was just about embracing every contraction.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Relaxation and hypnobirthing apps, listening to my favourite instrumental music and soaking up my first daughter as much as I could, talking through all of the exciting changes to come for our family of love.
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What surprised you about your birth?
In three pushes, on the way to the hospital, I had delivered my baby girl in the front seat of the car! My poor husband was trying to remain calm while I was screaming that her head was coming and then in 2 more pushes, delivering her out and up and on to my chest. Such a surreal experience but what a surprise! A week overdue and she had decided she was ready in that moment, such a special experience.
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You can do it strong mumma! Have a support person who will encourage you in those moments of self doubt and think about the end point, where your loving baby will be yours to cherish forever. What a miraculous blessing.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Hot water, visual inspiration boards with verses and pictures that were empowering and sentimental. slapping the wall through contractions as they got really heavy- though this was not a planned strategy.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On my side, holding the drivers seat head and having one leg on the dashboard. Absolutely unplanned but adapted to the circumstances
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Amazing, relief, very personal, since I helped her out and caught her in my arms. Surreal!! Proud of us all.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
You can do it strong mumma! Have a support person who will encourage you in those moments of self doubt and think about the end point, where your loving baby will be yours to cherish forever. What a miraculous blessing.