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When did you realize you were really in labor?
Around 3:00 pm in the afternoon on the day before I gave birth. Contractions became frequent enough that napping was no longer an option - it was time to think about getting ready to hunker down and let things progress.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I had a hard time keeping anything down, liquid or solid, and vomited many many times. It was around 2 am when my doula and husband decided it was time to head to the hospital to make sure I wasn’t becoming dehydrated.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Learn, understand, and have confidence in the science and physical process that is birthing a child and trusting my body is supposed to do this and was made to do this naturally. The Mama Natural Birth Course was so helpful to my husband and me and really prepared us well.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I gave birth when everything was completely shut down due to COVID. I had been working from home and we hadn’t been anywhere out in public in such a long time that I was surprised at the number of people that were around me for the birth and just around the hospital in general.
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You’re going to be scared and unsure at times and in those moments remember your body was made to do this - naturally!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Back rubs from my husband, the birthing ball, walking, and just meditating and taking each wave of a contraction as it came without fear.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Unbelievable. I was amazed that this little human knew exactly what to do - she climbed right up and immediately started nursing!
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What did you name your baby, and why?
Lennox Grace - We really liked the name Lennox and my husband picked her middle name which is also a family name from my side.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Find your reason why and focus on that. I wanted to be present and my true self, not under the influence of any medication when welcoming my baby into the world. You’re going to be scared and unsure at times and in those moments remember your body was made to do this - naturally!
