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When did you realize you were really in labor?
11:30PM -- I woke up and started out with strong contractions 2-4 minutes apart consistently for the next 27 hours until he was born.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The opposition and fear that others would try and put on me, but knowing I was doing the right thing for me.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Mentally preparing myself by reading resources by Ina May Gaskin, other holistic midwifery resources, taking a Hypnobabies birthing class, and understanding how our bodies were made so uniquely to do this. Birth is a beautiful thing and I feel so grateful to have gotten to experience it in the full capacity how God designed it. You experience emotions and hormones that are so unique and you have an incredible will to persevere and fight to bring your baby into the world. It is surreal
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What surprised you about your birth?
I was surprised how quickly time would go by through the birthing and active labor phase, and I was surprised how intense the pushing phase was although my body would almost push for me at points and I went along with it to get deeper into the push. It was surreal. My birth story is posted on www.lifewithgreens.com
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You can do this!!! I promise you. Your body was designed incredibly to do this and every emotion and wave you go through to bring your baby into this world is purposeful and intentional.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Having an incredible supportive team who would speak encouragement over me, having essential oils to smell to relieve nausea, having a team of women praying for me while in labor, speaking positively and speaking scriptures in my ear through contractions really helped take the edge off the pressure, and also being in warm water was incredible!!!
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On my hands and knees leaning over and on my husband who was such an incredible support.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Unbelievable and surreal. I could not believe the long labor journey was over, yet I felt so relieved, satisfied, and joyful.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
You can do this!!! I promise you. Your body was designed incredibly to do this and every emotion and wave you go through to bring your baby into this world is purposeful and intentional. Educate yourself and surround yourself with a team of people who believe in you and that you can trust. I remember thinking immediately after my son was born the thoughts of "that was so worth it and I would do it again in a heartbeat if I knew I could have my baby boy". Girl, you are stronger than you think!
