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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I realized I was starting the journey of labor at about 9:30am. I was feeling light contractions that I was still able to laugh through. My contractions became more intense and consistent at about 3 pm the same day. My wonderful husband was there every step of the way encouraging me and applying counter pressure. We stayed home until my husband said it was time that we go to the birth center to see my midwives. Once we got to the San Antonio Birth Center and the midwives checked to see how many centimeters I was. We were all surprised to learn that I was 9.5cm. I was planning on having a water birth but my body was already telling me to push about 5 min later. Then after being at the birth center for 30 min my handsome wonderful miracle Malachi was born.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Looking back at this experience I can honestly say the most difficult thing was getting my mindset right during the early stages of my pregnancy. Making sure to remind myself that God designed my body to give birth and that I have the strength and the will to bring forth this miracle naturally. Once I got into that mindset early on and educating myself on natural births I became completely at peace. It was a beautiful experience and I recommend everyone to experience the remarkable feeling of a natural birth.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Watching Mama Natural and other birthing videos along with staying extremely active my whole pregnancy. The night my water broke I was in Zumba class!:). Going to the classes that my midwives hosted was a huge help and so empowering to remind me contently that I am built to do this. That I have the strength to have a natural birth and a wonderful support team to encourage me along the way.
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What surprised you about your birth?
My biggest surprise was being so far along cm wise when I saw my midwives at the birth center.
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When I saw his most handsome face and to feel skin to skin I became more and more in love with him with every passing second. I truly got a glimpse of the kind of unbreakable love our Heavenly Father has for all of us. I am truly blessed and thankful.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
The best pain relief was my husband applying counter pressure to my lower back.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I was on the bed on all my hands and knees.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
To hold my baby for the first time is an experience that I will remember and cherish for the rest of my life. Tears flowed down my face the moment I held him. When I saw his most handsome face and to feel skin to skin I became more and more in love with him with every passing second. I truly got a glimpse of the kind of unbreakable love our Heavenly Father has for all of us. I am truly blessed and thankful.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
I would say that birthing your precious bundle of joy is a mindset. Which for many of us can be the biggest battle. My advice to you strong women is to know that you are STRONG and CAPABLE!! Your body is made for this! Keep a strong and positive mindset and surround yourself with people that encourage you! Stay as physically active as you can and go to as many classes that you need to gain more confidence of delivering your baby naturally. Know that every experience is different and each unique. The intensity of giving birth is ALL worth it when you get to hold, kiss, and snuggle your beautiful baby!
