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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I had a start and stop labor for days. I was afraid he was in the wrong position. I looked up some information on spinningbabies.com and tried a move that got him in the right place. I started regular contractions two hours later. I was still scared that this wasn't it until I woke my husband up moaning through contractions! Then I knew!!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Pushing was so much more work than I expected it to be! It felt productive but frustrating at the same time. I struggled to find the position that I liked best. I also struggled with post partum much more than labor and delivery.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Reading Ina May's books and taking a hypnobirthing class. I really enjoyed reading positive birth stories like these on Mama Natural!
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What surprised you about your birth?
How fast it went!! I was shocked when I started grunting and bearing down to push. I tried to stay as relaxed as possible using my hypnobirthing methods. I feel like that helped me progress quickly.
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Completely surreal. I could not believe he fit inside of me! I just never want to put him down! I am completely obsessed.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Hypnobirthing. Having an amazing support team cheering for me. My doula singing sweet worship songs to me between birthing waves. Laboring in the shower and tub helped a lot too.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Semi reclined squat that was positioned using the hospital bed.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Completely surreal. I could not believe he fit inside of me! I just never want to put him down! I am completely obsessed.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
I went in with 100% confidence that natural labor was my goal. I had a very supportive doula and husband who were my rock stars! My midwife and nurse were also very helpful and helping me achieve my goal. Your support group is everything! Also hypnobirthing helped take the fear out of birth and stay relaxed and in control. Find a method that works for you and stick with it. Having a method allowed me to play the mind game of labor.
