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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I woke up in the middle of the night with a small leak of fluid. But real labor did not start until the next night.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Getting my mind convinced that I could and would be able to do it! I had one moment of doubt when I was checked and learned I was only 3 centimeters. I asked my midwife if she thought I could do it. She said you can and you will. No more doubt after that!
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I did it all!! I ate the dates, drank red raspberry leaf tea by the gallon, squatted, walked 2 miles almost daily, but most importantly I read lots of books on natural child birth and read birth stories. I got my mine right!! I prepared like it was a marathon.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How quickly it went from 3 centimeters on and how much sitting on the birth ball in the shower helps. The bath tub helps too but only once I was 7 centimeters did I get to get in. Pushing was a bit more intense this time but I felt strong and capable.
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I felt so strong and proud. My body grew this beautiful, perfect baby and then it knew what to do bring her into this world. Miraculous!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
The shower on the birth ball, laying in bed relaxed(Bradley method) bath.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
All fours! I planned on squatting in the bath tub but my babies shoulders were turned in a way that we needed to turn her. So all fours worked the best.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Amazing! So much relief!! Relief that she was here and healthy, and relief from the pressure and intensity of labor. I had done it! I felt so strong and proud. My body grew this beautiful, perfect baby and then it knew what to do bring her into this world. Miraculous!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Prepare!! Go for it wholeheartedly! It is the most amazing experience of your life.
