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When did you realize you were really in labor?
After many days of prodromal labor, I actually *knew* on a Sunday afternoon where everything felt like "today is the day", except I wasn't having contractions. I had some labor-like lower pack pain, going to the bathroom more often, my mucus plug was slightly pink tinged (although I never saw more than discharge like amounts this time), etc. Sure enough, contractions started later and things probably went to active labor almost immediately.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Honestly? Nothing :). With my first I ended up having pitocin (long unpleasant story), so despite this being my third, I think that first unnatural experience affected how I asses labor intensity, because both subsequent times I've though things are yet to get intense.
Plus, I already had a first birth where my birth plan was thrown out the window for ugly reasons, and I'd sure take a natural birth any day :). Plus, there's no side effects to worry about ;).
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Reading about natural birth, specially birth stories and videos. I think it normalizes natural birth and helps us replace what we grew up knowing about childbirth.
Something that also helped me after I had my first was not really sharing my EDD with most people, including family. I'd say an estimated month, give a top date as in "by X or before she should be here" (X being 42wks), etc. Both times people were surprised and even thought baby came early!, yet these two came at 39w6d and 41w1d. ;). Why, you may ask? Because with my first I was overwhelmed with so many calls and texts, some of them being rather unsupportive in terms of "well, baby doesn't seem to have plans to come out, and she sure is high.. maybe you'll have to be induced or end up with a C/S". Yes. People will say such things because of how little they understand about EDDs and childbirth in general.
By the end of pregnancy, it's already enough to be tired, feel "very pregnant" and try to decipher is this is prodromal labor once more or if maybe baby is finally coming, so we don't need that added stress :). It has worked amazingly well for me and those friends who have followed suit. -
What surprised you about your birth?
How fast and calm it was. Every step caught me off guard. When I was checked upon meeting my midwife, I was almost fully dilated. "How did that happen? I didn't even feel like I was in transition already?". "Oh, I feel burning, and oh, this baby sure is coming now! Already? That birth pool better have enough water!" And so on :). Don't get me wrong, the pressure was intense, but it was all so quick!
Another thing was that my water didn't break until her shoulders were out, so instead of feeling her head as I pushed, I felt as if a balloon was coming out. That was quite an odd sensation.
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Your body was made for this. Just as you didn't question if your body could grow this baby, don't question if you can birth this baby. You absolutely can :), and just like your body grew the baby, it'll know what to do to deliver!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Moving around, following whatever my body was hinting me to do, getting in the tub and birth pool and having pressure applied on my hips.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On all fours in the birth pool. I wish I could see and catch my babies as they come out, but when the time comes that's the only position that feels right. Maybe next time! ;)
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Amazing and unreal. A miracle, for sure! There are no words. It's as if time had stopped. After all this time, all the wait, here she is! <3
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Your body was made for this. Just as you didn't question if your body could grow this baby, don't question if you can birth this baby. You absolutely can :), and just like your body grew the baby, it'll know what to do to deliver!
Surround yourself with information and positive birth stories, be it through books, online or better yet, other women you know. It's amazing how these things may come to your mind once you're there. This time, I remembered to offer up my last few and most intense contractions for certain prayer intentions (which was suggested by a friend) and once pushing, I remembered a story in Ina May's book about thinking of a flower that is opening. I never thought I'd be that person thinking of a blooming flower during labor, and yet that was exactly what I needed at that point :). Similar things happened during my two previous deliveries. It's amazing how these things will accompany you even at a time when you feel so primal and would't expect your brain to be at work like this ;).
Also, if you pray, sure ask our heavenly father for the birth that you dream of. Don't bargain :). Ask Him for exactly what you dream of, including each and every small detail, and have faith. After all, He made us and gave us this precious baby :). Blessings on your birth!
