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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I had been having contractions on and off for a couple of weeks. I was well past my due date so was having non-stress tests and contractions were showing on there. The evening before my baby was born, I told my husband, "I'm trying not to get excited, but these are REAL contractions... Like labor-starting contractions not NST contractions!"
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
This time was my second labor and birth so I knew I had done it once and could do it again! What almost prevented me from going natural is that I was well past my due date. At my last midwife appointment, they suggested inducing that day. I declined saying I would go in the next day for a membrane sweep. I had been trying every natural method to start labor. It was a stressful time because I truly felt like the baby would come when the baby was ready...but the added risks past 42 weeks and pressure from midwife office were giving me reason to doubt.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Hire a Doula team! I had already been through a comprehensive birth course for my first, but it was over 3 years ago. Our doulas did their own education which was a sort of "refresher" for us. They were also very valuable in reassuring, giving info and suggestions when I went significantly past my due date (which I hadn't for my first).
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What surprised you about your birth?
It surprised me how different it was from my first! My first was a couple days past due with a really long labor... Several days! This one was two weeks past due but with a short labor! I was also very surprised that I delivered such a big (10+ lb) baby!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Vocalizing was essential as the contractions intensified. Certain touch by my husband was helpful too... I wanted to touch my own head but didn't want him to. Him holding my hand during the pushing was so important
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I was on my side/back with legs bent. I kept trying all fours or squatting as I thought it would be better but was so exhausted that when the time came I needed to be laying.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
I was a little nervous actually because thought something had gone wrong. He got a little stuck at the shoulders coming out so my husband needed to help bend my leg back and the midwife assisted in wiggling him out. After I realized he was fine, I was overcome with emotion. Happy tears! Also surprised because he was a boy! I didn't have the "mom sense" this time and thought we were having another girl!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Definitely take a birth class and hire a doula! I also got the mama natural birth book and Ina May guide to childbirth. Inspiring!
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How did the Mama Natural Birth Class help you in your childbirth?
Definitely take a birth class and hire a doula! I also got the mama natural birth book and Ina May guide to childbirth. Inspiring!
