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When did you realize you were really in labor?
After waking up at dawn and casually going through my morning routine, I realized the cramps I was feeling were signs of early labor. Fast forward a couple of hours later and I quickly began to realize I was in full blown active labor and was nearing transition!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Feeling EVERYTHING! But it's also the juiciest and most empowering part of the experience. The intensity of contractions; the overwhelming demands on my body and mind; the power of the waves rushing through my hips and thighs and pelvis; the pressure and burning sensations of pushing him into the world: these intense sensations took me into the deepest places within myself, into agony and ecstasy, pain and bliss, fear and gratitude. While there were times I cried out in pain and anguish, I roared my baby out like a lioness with just as much power!
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I read a lot of midwifery literature that helped me greatly to cultivate trust in my body and in the birthing process. I also prepared my body by drinking herbal pregnancy tea daily, plenty of water, whole food prenatal vitamins, and eating a wide variety of clean, organic foods regularly. I also found that my regular yoga and meditation practice helped me to focus on getting through each contraction, while daily stretches and hip openers gave me the extra strength and flexibility to birth my baby in the positions I found most comfortable.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How fast he was coming! As a first time mama, I really expected to be laboring for much longer than I did. I thought I was in early labor for most of the day, but around the time I was transitioning it obviously became much more intense and I realized I was much further along than I thought. At this point, my husband, doula and midwife were all still on their way to our house and I was still laboring alone in the comfort of my home. I definitely didn't expect to be lying in bed ready to push by the time my midwife arrived!
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Do it!! I strongly believe that the way we birth matters, for our babies and for us as mothers. We are being transformed and reborn through the experience, and on the other side of that intense pain is immense confidence and POWER!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Vocalizing, for sure! I would Om, chant, roar, moo, any sound that was loud and deep helped to move the energy through my body and helped me cope. I also really found the hip squeeze invaluable.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I gave birth squatting on a birth stool.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Surreal. Magical. Shocking. Overwhelming. Amazing.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Do it!! I strongly believe that the way we birth matters, for our babies and for us as mothers. We are being transformed and reborn through the experience, and on the other side of that intense pain is immense confidence and POWER!
