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When did you realize you were really in labor?
When I couldn't concentrate on what my husband and I were talking about because I was actual having significant contractions.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The comments from the peanut gallery before labor even began when we would tell people i was going to have a natural birth. Everyone said "good luck!" and "you might change your mind after a few contractions" which made it more challenging to mentally prepare with those comments being shared.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
The natural birth videos, affirmations, and mostly having my husband by my side who watched all the mama natural classes and was totally bought in to the natural birth idea, educated and ready to defend and support our desires for a natural birth in a hospital setting.
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What surprised you about your birth?
The strength and capability of my body. My body totally prepared itself for labor and delivery, going into labor naturally and successfully progressing through labor to deliver a health baby. Our bodies are truly amazing.
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I was so relieved and elated. I couldn't believe I was holding my baby. After so many hours of laboring I could believe it was all over. The rush of hormones and holding my sweet new babe was one of the best feelings in the world.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Breathing techniques and visualizing the baby coming down with each contraction, utilizing various positions, and iliac and sacral compression
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Surprisingly, on my back. It was the last position I wanted to be in. The majority of my pushing was on my side due to distress and once the baby began to crown they transitioned me to my back for the final couple pushes; ultimately I believe all to preserve and honor our wishes for a natural birth.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
I was so relieved and elated. I couldn't believe I was holding my baby. After so many hours of laboring I could believe it was all over. The rush of hormones and holding my sweet new babe was one of the best feelings in the world.
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How did the Mama Natural Birth Class help you in your childbirth?
Planning a hospital birth, the mama natural classes helped us to prepare for the possible scenarios of the hospital experience while being equipped to evaluate our circumstances. We used the BRAIN to decide a few choices and we were confident in the details of our birth plan being the best for me and the baby. I'm convinced it was the best possible hospital birth scenario because The mama natural classes gave us the knowledge and confidence to have an incredible hospital birth.
