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When did you realize you were really in labor?
After an unusual, rather painful night time bowel movement! I took castor oil so thought, "oh great, what did I do to myself!" But when I had more abdominal pain within 2-3 minutes, I realized I was in labor. I was confused though because it was so intense so quickly!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
My initial answer is the pain, buyback in reality, it was the anxiety of, "are we (my husband and I) going to deliver this baby own our own?" My body was pushing and the midwives hadn't arrived yet!
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
4 years of naturopathic Med school where I spend most of my free time researching fertility, pregnancy, and childbirth. Also tons of walking, running, yoga, and very good nutrition.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How fast it was. It was 2.5 hrs from the first contraction ( on the toilet) to when she was born. Also, the intensity from the beginning... I was prepared to watch a season of house of cards, but clearly there was no time for that!
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Care for yourself better than you ever have! Exercise plenty. Eat really well with lots of raw fruits and veggies. Take time to meditate.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
I didn't really have any. My mantra for pain is " pain is a sign that something is wrong, except for childbirth. " I also kept thinking that it is only transient so I can deal with it..
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Squatting by the bed.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Shocking!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Care for yourself better than you ever have! Exercise plenty. Eat really well with lots of raw fruits and veggies. Take time to meditate.
