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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I was having contractions in the morning a week after my due date. My son Emmett and I had a dance party in hopes to encourage continued contractions however they stopped. At 2pm I headed to the gym to walk on the treadmill--as I was filling my water bottle my water broke--needless to say no walking was done at the gym that day!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Back pain was difficult this time around however it was tolerable. I couldn't quite find the "right" position however my birth team assured me that I had found a position that worked!
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I watched natural water birth videos and listened to affirmations.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I was surprised about how quickly it went (7 hours total).
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I loved the home experience. Find a practice of midwives that you feel like is a good fit and decide whether you want to deliver at a center or at home. Also I highly recommend water births as both my babies were born in water and I found the most pain relief while in the water. It was such a peaceful way welcome the babes. Also a hot water bottle for back pain! It was my saving grace!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Breathing through the contractions.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On my side in a birthing pool (actually a baby pool from Amazon $37).
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It felt amazingly peaceful.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
This was my 2nd natural birth-my first was at a birth center and 2nd at home. I loved the home experience. My advice is to find a practice of midwives that you feel like is a good fit and decide whether you want to deliver at a center or at home. Also I highly recommend water births as both my babies were born in water and I found the most pain relief while in the water. It was such a peaceful way welcome the babes. Also a hot water bottle for back pain! It was my saving grace!
