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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I woke up in the middle of the night to an intense contraction! After using the bathroom, I tried to rest but another contraction followed just 6 min later, then 5, then 4 and 3 min apart. They ramped up VERY quickly.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
My biggest struggle was navigating others’ perception of birth. I went 10 days past my estimated due date and often got asked when I’d be induced, whether it was even safe, and if my provider had checked me/how dilated I was.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I really focused on exercise and nutrition during this pregnancy. I set goals for how many workouts to incorporate into my week and all the way till the end I was still walking, doing yoga and even hiking at 40+ weeks. For nutrition, I knew I needed a lot of protein so I didn’t let that slip and I was sure to balance it with complex carbs.
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What surprised you about your birth?
It was fast!! She was born after a 96-minute labor.
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Mama Natural Birth Course gave my husband a lot more confidence.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
My husband held counter pressure on my sacrum and did the hip squeeze my entire labor.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
We both cried. A lot.
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What did you name your baby, and why?
Her name is Ellison Clair which roughly translates to “shining brightly.” Clair is a family name and Ellison I just saw randomly. When I meditated with her in utero, that name continued to pop up for me.
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How did the Mama Natural Birth Class help you in your childbirth?
It gave my husband a lot more confidence.
