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When did you realize you were really in labor?
When my water broke and labor started soon after that, just like it did with my other 2 babies.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The first challenge was that my husband and I kept the 1st half of our pregnancy a secret, to avoid enduring 9 months of negativity from some of our family and friends, that don't view children a blessing from God, especially when it's your 3rd baby. This was heart wrenching, and caused me much grief, anxiety, and sadness, when I needed support, unconditional love, understanding and happiness.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Praying to God, having faith and believing that I could have a home birth. Reading the Bible, and practicing the hypnobirthing breathing techniques. Having Catherine Williams and Leslie Stewart as my supportive birthing/midwife team. My husband and mom helped me and the midwife with the birth, and my father watched our 2 older kids.
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What surprised you about your birth?
That it took 9 hrs to give birth to my 3rd child at home and the relief I felt when I finally birthed the placenta. The biggest surprise and blessing was that God kept me safe, healthy, in remission, and able to have a home birth, when my Dr. said of course I'd get sick with this pregnancy, since I did with my other 2 pregnancies. Praise God for giving me faith and a healthy pregnancy, birth and baby!!!
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Trust your instincts and abilities to birth your baby naturally. Surround yourself with loving and supportive people.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
The hypnobirthing breathing techniques, when I was able to do them. My midwife Catherine calming me down, so I could focus. Sometimes standing was better for me than lying down. Letting sound come out of my mouth during surges and breathing.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Lying down on our bed, propped with pillows and my knees up. My husband on one side, my mom on the other, and the midwife helping me birth our baby.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It felt like a miracle that he was finally born and in my arms. I immediately thanked Jesus! I also thanked my husband, for supporting my need to have a home birth. The best gift and blessing! It just felt right! It felt like love and a warm glow surrounded me, our baby, and my husband. Bliss!!!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Trust your instincts and abilities to birth your baby naturally. Surround yourself with loving and supportive people. Find the best midwife team for you. If your Dr. does not advise natural birth, get several other respected opinions. Be persisten and research until you get the answers and info you need.