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When did you realize you were really in labor?
It wasn't until 10pm that evening, a couple of hours after some less painful but more regular contractions. I really wasn't sure how to know if it was real labor--the time we had been waiting for so long! But when it intensified, I called the midwife and told her to head our way.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Both my births have been natural, one overseas in a hospital and one stateside at home. And both were challenging because, well, labor is labor. That's why labor has such a bad reputation. That's why people so often use pain-numbing drugs. Sometimes I think the most challenging part is explaining to others why going natural is so important and so worth it.
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Tasker-28
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Read! There are so many great natural resources and birth stories. Know why you are making the choice to go natural, how your body responds in labor, and how best to cope with the intensity.
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What surprised you about your birth?
My biggest surprise was that my baby came two weeks after due date. My first had been more on time, so the waiting really caught me off guard and definitely made me really ready for labor.
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Natural isn't the easy route. People will question you and labor will be intense. But you will feel strong, proud, and capable. And your baby will be healthier for it!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Grunting, taking long slow breaths, midwife pressing in on my hips, and being in the warm water
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Squatting in the birthing pool
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Such relief! I was so glad to have him out of my body and in my arms. We both cried. I just kept repeating, "I'm so glad you're out. I'm so glad you are finally here."
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Natural isn't the easy route. People will question you and labor will be intense. But you will feel strong, proud, and capable. And your baby will be healthier for it!
