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When did you realize you were really in labor?
When my contractions were too painful to talk through
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging this about going natural was probably all my fear leading up to the birth. The pain was difficult but once my instincts kicked in it wasn't as bad as I had psyched myself up for it to be.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I read a lot of books. Mama Natural and Birthing From Within were two very helpful books that made me feel really prepared. I did the exercise holding ice in my hands to prepare myself mentally for uncomfortable contractions, and I also used the mama natural affirmations to ease some of my nagging fears and prepare myself mentally for the birth I knew I wanted to experience.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How quickly it happened! I had read so many stories about long labors so that's what I was prepared for, but mine was only about 5 hours from start to finish. By the time my midwife told me I was in transition I couldn't believe it. I didn't have time for an epidural even if I'd wanted one. I'm so glad I went natural because the I felt the urge to push and after 28 minutes of pushing my son was born. I felt everything, and it was worth the pain to experience the glorious natural high of childbirth. I anticipated being really emotional and crying but I was just all smiles and totally in love!
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I went natural not because I had anything to prove to anyone else, but because I wanted to prove to myself I could do it. I had had a really tough couple of years personally prior to my birth and so I wanted my birth experience to empower me. It was all about the mental preparation and the personal commitment that I made to myself.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
I was able to drink water in between my contractions which helped because I was really dehydrated. Calm encouraging words like "you can do it" and "you're doing so great" from my husband and midwife helped me get through the contractions. My midwife also let me know when my contractions peaked so I was able to know how long they were going to last. i actually tried a little bit of nitrous oxide and ended up telling them i didn't want it because it didn't really take away the pain it just made me feel less present which I didn't like. I'd say it was less about relieving the pain and more about surrendering to it. I told myself it would only be a matter of time, a few hours, or minutes until it was over and I got to meet my baby. Keeping my eye on the prize really helped to deal with the pain.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I was on my hands and knees holding on to the top of the hospital bed. They passed my son to me between my legs and I sat back to hold him
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It was the most beautiful joyous experience of my life. I thought I would cry but I didn't at all. I was all smiles and just so happy and on top of it I felt so accomplished and proud of myself.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
I went natural not because I had anything to prove to anyone else, but because I wanted to prove to myself I could do it. I had had a really tough couple of years personally prior to my birth and so I wanted my birth experience to empower me. It was all about the mental preparation and the personal commitment that I made to myself. When I had the urge to push, I took advantage of each contraction and got the most out of each one so even though it was painful, it wasn't long before he was out and all the pain was gone. I also highly recommend adding "I'm Every Woman" by Chaka Khan to your birthing playlist because it really helped get me in the mindset i needed to do the hard but rewarding work of natural labor and reminded me of my connection to women and mothers everywhere and all through time who have given birth.