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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I woke up around 1:30 am with discomfort but I didn't fully realize I was in labor until 2:30 when my contractions were consistently 2.5-3 minutes apart.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
This time it was the pushing! With my previous births, transition was the hardest and I would have the "moment of doubt" but this time, transition was intense but bearable. Pushing my big baby out was when I had to go full primal woman mode.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Lots of squats, stretching and really being aware of the pelvis' full range of motion throughout the whole pregnancy.
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What surprised you about your birth?
The size of my baby was pretty surprising. I've had a 7.5, 8 and then this one was 9.5.
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Surrender! Fear of pain is actually what makes the contractions painful! Find your happy place in visualization.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Visualization and total relaxation during the contractions. I would make sure every muscle in my body was relaxed while I mentally went to my happy place which was a beach at sunset with the moon rising. The contractions were waves that would wash over me.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I delivered his head on all fours but then flipped over to supine position in order to deliver the rest of his body.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Sweet relief and the most pure form of joy.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Surrender! Fear of pain is actually what makes the contractions painful! Find your happy place in visualization. Also, prep your body and pelvis with lots of exercise to open up as well as strengthen.
