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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I woke up at 5:30 AM with a "feeling" - I went to the bathroom to discover my bloody show. I excitedly told my husband, and then went back to bed for a while. Cramps were coming in light waves. As the hours passed, they were getting stronger and stronger. I was in between the bathtub and our bed all day. Around 3pm I was saying that we really need to go to the hospital / birth center (they have one that is both here in Hawaii). Our doula was convinced we were still in early labor, but I had a gut feeling that she was wrong. We left the house at 4pm, arrived at the hospital at 4:30pm. To all the nurses and midwives shock, I was NINE centimeters when we arrived. I got in the bathtub moaning and groaning, and two hours later our beautiful daughter, Oona Dare was born. 9 pounds and 5 oz of pure love.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Ummm...the "ring of Fire". I actually screamed bloody murder. I was scolded by the nurses!! Can you believe that? ?
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Walking, sleeping, pregnancy tea by natural medicines, lots of baths and relaxation, and continuing to tell myself that "I trust my body" and "I am made to do this" and in labor: "I surrender"
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What surprised you about your birth?
How fast it was!
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You can do it!! Don't listen to the scare tactics of other people. We are made to do this. There will be a point where you want to give up, but have your support system cheer you on to push you through.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Bath tub for sure!
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Laying on my right side
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Oh my goodness. Are there words to describe it? Umm just so much love. All the love in the world.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
You can do it!! Don't listen to the scare tactics of other people. We are made to do this. There will be a point where you want to give up, but have your support system cheer you on to push you through. Also, if things don't go according to plan, that's okay too. However your baby gets here happy and healthy is truly a miracle. Oh and walk! Walk, and sleep, and drink pregnancy brewed STRONG staring in second trimester.
