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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I started having contractions later in the afternoon and I was aware that they were contractions but they were sporadic and not very intense at all so I wasn't necessarily thinking that I was in labor. Contractions picked up a little bit after a few hours and I was staying in contact with my midwife but still wasn't thinking I was in "real" labor. Once contractions were 5 and 10 minutes apart(though they were still not bad in intensity) my midwife suggested that I have my mom pick up my 15 month old daughter like I had planned. Well, that did the trick! Within the hour things picked up and I had no doubt we were having a baby that night!!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The hardest part for me is the mental aspect of it... Wondering when it will be over, feeling like you can't do it. It can be really hard to think positive. So thankful that I've been able to have home births so I don't even have to think about the possibility of pain medication.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I prayed A LOT!! This being my second baby I had a lot more anxiety because I knew better what to expect and how painful it is. While it was still extremely painful and I felt like I was dying, mentally and emotionally God gave me peace. I took time in the weeks before to just think and pray and choose to trust God and my body. To stay positive during labor, I thought of my daughter and how my labor with her was absolutely worth the pain and that I was going to feel the same way about this new baby. I intentionally took the contractions one at a time and told myself that each contraction brought me closer to the end. I tried to visualize the work that each contraction was doing and just let it work instead of tensing against it. My husband was invaluable. I couldn't have done it without his encouragement and support either.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I expected my birth to be a lot like my first which I like to describe as "fast and furious". With my first labor, I woke up with contractions about a minute apart and they never let up until a baby came out 8hrs later. This birth was much more gradual with the contractions being sporadic for a while before picking up. From start to finish my second labor was longer than my first!!
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You can do it!! Get in tune with your body and follow its lead. Everyone is different and different things will help different people. It's best to listen to your body and do what feels right.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
My biggest pain reliever was the birthing tub. Before I was in the tub, I did a lot of swaying.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I delivered hands and knees in the birthing tub :-)
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Amazing!! I was convinced we were having a girl so when a boy came out I was shocked too! And just so relieved to be through the hard part and holding my little baby.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
You can do it!! Get in tune with your body and follow its lead. Everyone is different and different things will help different people. It's best to listen to your body and do what feels right.
