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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I started having contractions on Saturday night, but by Sunday afternoon they had completely stopped. I felt a few contractions in the early evening, but by 9 pm I knew labor was starting. My contractions started in my back, and after texting my doula she convinced me to get on all fours in the tub to encourage my baby to rotate. After about an hour, my husband was timing them and realized the time in between each contraction was getting closer and closer. After laboring for about 2.5 hours at home, we decided to head to the hospital.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging thing about going natural was definitely the pain! When I had reached about 6cm dilated I could feel my body wanting to push, but my doula was telling me to relax and hold off from pushing. It was the hardest thing to do to breathe and relax!!! The only thing that kept me going was the idea of getting in the tub at 8cm.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
The most helpful thing I did to prepare was to complete the Mama Natural Birth Course, including all the extra videos, affirmations and additional resources. I also did a ton of meditation and affirmation programs through other apps and websites.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I was most surprised at how “quickly” labor progressed for me. I was in labor only for about 8 hours and spent only about 45 minutes pushing. I also was surprised that I did not feel him crowning...... but he did get stuck and boy did I feel that!! Finally, I was surprised that I was actually able to do it naturally! What an experience!!
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It felt surreal to hold him for the first time. There’s just a rush of emotions going on, and to be able to finally see your baby is a feeling like no other.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Hot water definitely saved me. I labored for about an hour and a half in the tub at home, and then for about 2.5 hours on my knees in the shower at the hospital. Also, breathing through the contractions helped a ton.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It felt surreal to hold him for the first time. There’s just a rush of emotions going on, and to be able to finally see your baby is a feeling like no other.
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What did you name your baby, and why?
Our sons name is Quincy Tyler Holmes. My husband chose the first name, and they share their middle name.
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How did the Mama Natural Birth Class help you in your childbirth?
I loved the real couples that spoke about their experiences throughout the program. I also loved hearing sides of the stories from both the hosts and husbands. It helped to get a wide range of information. I also loved how thorough each lesson was. It allowed my husband and I to consider tons of things we knew nothing about as first time parents.
