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When did you realize you were really in labor?
When the contractions began in the morning. They became painful consistently, slowly increasing in intensity. They hit the point I wasn't really able to walk through them, barely talking through them. This was in comparison to the slow increase of afternoon contractions that would stall every even for 2 weeks prior.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The intensity. But God provided me with long prodromal labor that ever so slowly increased with intensity so I could figure out my coping tools. You need to just ride each wave. It's the classic each wave is bringing you one step closer. Each intense wave peaks for 8 seconds. You can do any hard thing for 8 seconds. In 8 seconds your body is bringing the baby down. Each one is changing your cervix however slow or fast your body needs.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Pray. Listen to tips from providers. Watch doulas on Instagram. Informing myself with positions, tricks, and tips that may be useful in labor. My baby's position and body made it essential for me to be on all fours. I knew that's what I needed, what helped me cope and I think it helped baby get into the ideal position.
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What surprised you about your birth?
The intensity. How quickly one can progress. I have had labors last over a day. I had failed to progress and needed help. I have labor where intervention early left us scared and felt out of control.
This labor, trusting my body, riding every wave, doing what I could to stay moving...
praise God my body was doing it. I was progressing quite quickly. With doubt that it would be hours to see my daughter... it happened to be minutes. And without meds. I could trust my team. I could be in control. I could do the hardest thing I have ever done. All by His strength. His provision. The whole experience was an awesome surprise of superspeed intensity that echoed beautiful memories, connection, and support. And some quick jokes.
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Pure shock. I have done this before and honestly I was in shock from the intense pain. Once everything calmed and I had a few minutes to gather my bearings... I got lost in this tiny human. Reprocessing that quick rollercoaster that got her here. Lost in gratitude for strength, for the support, for His provision in every step.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Being on all fours. Counterpressure. Heat on back. Pelvic squeeze was magical.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Pure shock. I have done this before and honestly I was in shock from the intense pain. Once everything calmed and I had a few minutes to gather my bearings... I got lost in this tiny human. Reprocessing that quick rollercoaster that got her here. Lost in gratitude for strength, for the support, for His provision in every step.
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What did you name your baby, and why?
Emily Hope. We have our hearts set on E's. The meaning of the name, the beauty, and the simplicity of her name wrapped with Hope has a special place in our hearts. This year has been a hard one for many. Our family has experienced some trials this year and reminding us there is Hope. He has this all figured out. Our Hope remains in Him and His provision. I can see many ways He was working behind the scenes, and we have to choose Hope. Hope in His provision.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Trust your body. Inform yourself of what to expect. Ask questions. Get the tools now so you can use them at the moment. Inform yourself of the baby's position and how to help. Spinning babies have good information on how to get the baby in the best spot.
Take each contraction with mindfulness. Even the intense ones are intense for a few seconds. They do back off. Find something that pulls you out of panic and ride the wave. Music, comb trick (research this), a quote to meditate on. I chose music. I chose to do what my body told me to do. A low moan opened the pelvic floor, eased the pain and pressure, and made these contractions more effective. Tensing up fights it. Open the jaw. Hum. Sing. See your baby come down in your head. Each contraction brings your baby closer. Each contraction that you feel you can't do...ride it because when you feel like you can, that baby is so close to being on your belly. You will do awesome. You will do this. You will feel empowered. your body is made for this mama.