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When did you realize you were really in labor?
After having irregular contractions all day that petered off in the evening, I woke up at 3 am with strong enough contractions that I couldn't fall back asleep. I went to the bathroom and had my bloody show. I knew baby would be born in the next day or two!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Throughout my pregnancy my baby was LOA. In the last few weeks, my belly was so hard that the midwives couldn't feel his positioning but there was no reason to think he had moved. I ended up experiencing exclusively back labor and was totally unprepared for it! I was so lucky to have amazing physical support from my husband and mom who offered counter pressure for every single contraction of my 20 hour labor!
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I practiced yoga, watched lots of birth videos, and chose a mantra. As I labored, I told myself "this is how my baby gets born"- super concrete and simple but it helped me to stay focused and surrender.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I was blown away by how my body took over in the pushing phase. The power of the involuntary pushes was extraordinary and made me feel so connected to my body and its instincts.
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Surrender to your body and your baby. Remember that your body is a vehicle for your baby's birth and whatever baby needs to support their descent is what is "best".
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Having my husband or mom push on my sacrum or squeeze my hips during every contraction made a huge difference. I loved the birth tub (and planned to birth in it) but it slowed down my labor so I was only able to stay in about an hour.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I birthed his head in a squat then moved onto all fours to help with his shoulder dystocia.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
I couldn't believe how quickly the pain went away! The second he was out labor felt miles away and it was just us- our new family!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Surrender to your body and your baby. Remember that your body is a vehicle for your baby's birth and whatever baby needs to support their descent is what is "best".
