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When did you realize you were really in labor?
At 8:00 pm. My contractions were 10 minutes apart and I was already losing my mucus plug.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
This birth really didn't have any challenges, except for the car ride to our birth center. Its normally a 45 minute drive but we made it there in 30 minutes. However, I was in active hard labor for the drive. Being stuck in a car with contractions like that was awful.
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ry4001
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
The chiropractor, squats, and my birth affirmations!
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What surprised you about your birth?
How fast it went! Labor really got going around 11:00 pm and my baby was born at 2:44 am. Less than 4 hours! I also had NO tearing and I only pushed 3 times and he was out. It was so easy and so fast. We were only at our birth center for maybe 25 minutes before he was born.
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Do your work throughout your pregnancy. Chiropractor, readings, develop a good relationship with your midwife. Exercise. Be calm and at peace.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
The pelvic squeeze! My husband did the pelvic squeeze during labor before we left our house. It helps tremendously.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
In a squat, draped over the birth pool.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It felt amazing. I kept staring at him wondering what his little face looked like. Who is this beautiful boy I made for a second time? Does he look like his brother? His mommy? His daddy? I felt amazing. It was easy and fast and empowering.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Do your work throughout your pregnancy. Chiropractor, readings, develop a good relationship with your midwife. Exercise. Be calm and at peace.
