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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I realized I was in labour at 4:30 am. I woke up feeling cramp cramps and thought while I might as well time them too see where I'm at, at that point I realized this is it!!!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging thing about going natural was the preperation. I prepped myself physically and mentally and read every article I could find.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I really wanted a quick easy labour, so I walked 2 miles a day and about 3 weeks before my due date I did 30 squats every time I peed, which was a million times a day. I also had a great doula.
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What surprised you about your birth?
The most surprising thing about my birth was how quickly things progressed. There came a point when I thought that my husband was going too be delivering the baby, which honestly I would have been ok with.
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Read, read, read, read, exercise your body as well as your mind. Work on renewing your mind in every situation.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
The pain relief strategies that worked best were swaying my hips and a cold wash cloth. The crowning was more intense than what I expected, but every time my doula rubbed that wash cloth on my forehead, I felt relieved and peaceful. Tree swaying helped me too bring myself back down to earth even in the most intense contractions.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I ended up delivering on all fours, which was not something I thought I would have chosen.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
I felt relief that it was over and joy that our family was whole. Oddly enough, the second she was born I forgot every ounce of labour pain. It's strange that when you add another child to your family, your love doesn't get split up, your heart just gets bigger.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Read, read, read, read, exercise your body as well as your mind. Work on renewing your mind in every situation. If you get a headache, stub your toe, whatever pain you feel leading up to birth, work on not focusing on it, finding a happy place and making yourself believe it's not bad.