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When did you realize you were really in labor?
July 7th,2016
Early labour started in the morning with a handful of contractions every hour until 5pm. My midwife came over to check me and I was 4cm! Things died down until the next day around noon. The waves of labour were getting more intense. My husband called the Midwife at 3pm, 6cm now!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Channeling the pain of contractions. Knowing you don't have an option of drugs to numb the pain makes you feel like a warrior mama though! Trusting that your body was made to bring life into this world without the need for intervention is a beautiful thing.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Reading Ina Mays guide to child birth.
Watched home birth videos (even though it wasucks my second home birth it felt good to watch other women give birth. It gave me confidence)
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What surprised you about your birth?
That during the intense waves of labour I was still talking and laughing in between contractions. Very different from my first where I could hardly talk during labour.
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We women have been birthing babies for a million years. The strength of a natural birth is in coded in your DNA. Trust that and know it is possible.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Breathing baby down with deep groans and what sounded like horse lips or the raspberries you give to kids on their bellies.
My essential oils were amazing too. I had energizing spritzers. Relaxing coconut oil rubs and my diffuser going as well.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On my knees. Catching my baby as I pushed him outo.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Amazing! Thinking wow! I did it! That was crazy!
I felt so much more comfortable and confident the second time around.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
We women have been birthing babies for a million years. The strength of a natural birth is in coded in your DNA. Trust that and know it is possible.
