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When did you realize you were really in labor?
My husband and I signed up for a partners yoga class and I had sensations throughout the entire 4 hour class . By the time we finished my waves were intense and coming every 5 minutes. I knew I was in labor.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Dealing with negative commentary from friends and family whom I thought would be supportive. At the end of the day we each have our own birth story. I didn't need to hear the negative experiences of women who went before me. I was confident in my decision for a natural birth and realized I only had to rely on myself. It was an empowering experience.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Yoga! Towards the end of my pregnancy I was going 5 times a week. The practice not only physically prepared me for birth but also gave me great mental tools. I loved being surrounded by other mamas who could share my experience.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How hospitals are equipped to deal with problems and illnesses but not necessarily the transformation of child birth. I went to the hospital after laboring at home the entire night. The nurse who checked me in didn't believe I was close to pushing. When she checked my cervix I was 10+ cm. My cervix was gone and an hour later my baby was born.
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Surreal! It was like we were long lost friends reunited after being apart for years.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
The acupressure points we learned in yoga worked best. My pain went from a 10 to a 4 with my husbands help!
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On my back with my feet on either side of the delivery bar.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Surreal! It was like we were long lost friends reunited after being apart for years.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Research! I took a hypnobirthing class, read books, meditated, worked outmy entire pregnancy, ate well and took supplements. Believe in yourself. This is what your body was created to do.
