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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I was in bed and I started having powerful contractions every 3 minutes. I knew this was the real deal because my labor with my first born started the same way....fast and furious!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The back labor was excruciating and it was very hard to stay focused and relaxed at the end.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Not letting fear take a foothold. Our culture has instilled in us a fear of the natural experience of birth and a fear of our bodies. Reading Ina May's Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin, reading natural birth stories and watching birth videos prepared me for the task of bringing a child into the world.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How fast it was! It was an hour and twenty minutes from the first contraction till I was holding my sweet baby girl in my arms. My midwife didn't even make it in time and the nurse delivered my baby. I was also surprised by how much more intense it was than my first labor.
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Trust in your body! Don't give into fear... You were made to birth this baby.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Having a water birth and laboring in the birth pool helped a lot with the back labor. My doula also rubbed essential oils on me and applied counter pressure to by back during contractions.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I delivered in the birth pool on my hands and knees.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It was euphoric and surreal! I could not believe my baby was already here and in my arms!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Trust in your body! Don't give into fear... You were made to birth this baby.
