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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I realized I was in labor when I woke up to my first contraction. I had been having strong Braxton Hicks for weeks and I knew that these were the real thing!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Not knowing all details in advance. How long would my labor be? What would transition be like this time? Would there be any complications? I am a planner and a bit of an overthinker and I like to know details before heading into something. You just can't do that with birth, natural or otherwise! You can be as prepared as possible, but keep in mind that things are always subject to change!
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Mentally prepared for a long labor. This included watching videos, listening to birth podcasts, reading the Mama Natural pregnancy and childbirth book, and remembering that women have been doing this since the beginning of creation!
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What surprised you about your birth?
How VERY quick it was. This is baby number three. My first labor was 3 1/2 hours start to finish, my second was 25 hours start to finish. I had no idea what to expect with number three, but she shot out like a bullet after all my preparing for another long labor. My labor was just over one hour long!
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You can do it. There will be times you question why in the world you would when there are so many pain killing options out there. Be prepared with your answers to those questions! Remember your why! I've had three natural births now, each very different, and I am thankful for each learning experience!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
The shower, if I had to pick something, but contractions didn't get to the point that I couldn't talk through them, even in transition. I was on the phone with my midwife suggesting she head our way soon because my water had just broken, and the contractions were coming one on top of the other, but it just wasn't painful in the way I was used to during transition.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
In the shower, leaning over a shower stool with one knee up on it. Our little one came so quickly that she beat the midwives, so my husband caught her there. Accidental unassisted home birth! He grabbed a towel and wrapped her in it as she came out so that she wasn't too slippery to hold safely.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
I was in shock that things had moved so quickly, we were just laughing and shaking our heads, snuggling her there until the midwives arrived a few minutes later.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
You can do it. There will be times you question why in the world you would when there are so many pain killing options out there. Be prepared with your answers to those questions! Remember your why! I've had three natural births now, each very different, and I am thankful for each learning experience!
