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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I was doing everything I could do, naturally, to get my baby out! Our baby girl was going on four days late. The day of her birth, was also the day of our first snow storm. As the 12 inches was falling, my husband and I went out to build a snowman with our firstborn, Eloise. After that, I did a little workout, ate lunch, and had a nap. When I woke, I had lost my mucus plug and contractions started!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Honestly, I can't think of anything! Everything went so smoothly. My first birth was so long - 27 hours long. My head wasn't in the game. This time I was able to breathe through each contraction and listen to my body. I thought positive and had a great husband by my side. If I were to choose one thing, it would be the pushing part. Even though I pushed my daughter out in four minutes, that last minute was so intense. I wish I could've been more composed like every minute leading up to this phase.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Eating healthy, exercise, and positive thoughts hands down. I live a paleo lifestyle and that helped promote great nutrition. I also exercised - lots of body weight and light weight crossfit work outs. I also believed that my second labor could be shorter and smoother than my first.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I was so proud and surprised that I delivered my baby in two hours. I was able to keep myself composed and collected through each contraction. It's amazing what positive thinking can do for a natural childbirth. I just kept thinking of the end result! :)
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It's amazing what positive thinking can do for a natural childbirth. I just kept thinking of the end result!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Breathing. Lots of breathing. And holding my husband's hand!
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On my back. I was on all fours prior to wanting to flip to my back.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Even though this was my second baby, there are no words except pure joy. What a miracle. I held her so tightly and nuzzled her close.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
It can be done! It's what you're meant to do! Even if you have a complicated first labor, try not to compare. Each labor is different. Just be positive! What you put out into the universe is what you get.
