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When did you realize you were really in labor?
At around 9:30pm on June 9th, 5 days after my estimated due date.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Laboring in the middle of the night and fighting exhaustion. I was having intense contractions and would fall into a dreamlike state in between them which was very odd but helped me maintain some energy.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Reading positive birth stories and reading Hypnobirthing: The Mongan Method. Hypnobirthing techniques were invaluable in both my second and third birthing experiences.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How quickly it progressed. I started having contractions at 9:30pm and by 10:30pm I told my husband I thought we should leave for the hospital. I was timing my contractions and they were about 2 minutes apart already and very intense. When my midwife checked me in the labor and delivery room at 11:30pm I was 7-8cm dilated.
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Believe in your body and focus only on positive birth stories like those on Natural Mama's blog. Read Hypnobirthing: The Mongan Method and all things Ina May Gaskin!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Light touch massage on my back from my husband.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On all fours on the hospital bed. I knew my baby was going to be big and I didn't want to deliver on my back as I had with my first and second babies.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Amazing. My midwife told me when to grab him and I pulled him out and told my husband it was a boy which we didn't know. It was surreal and we were overjoyed.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Believe in your body and focus only on positive birth stories like those on Natural Mama's blog. Read Hypnobirthing: The Mongan Method and all things Ina May Gaskin!
