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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I woke up around 6 am to light cramping. I thought it might be labor starting, but I wasn't sure since it was my first time experiencing labor. I was induced with my first daughter and received an epidural right away. We were very happy to go natural the second time around.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The hardest part for me was going through transition in the car. My labor went pretty quickly! The entire labor and delivery was 4 hours from start to birth.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
God was very present in my entire birth experience. I remember feeling held by Jesus and being able to visualize that during contractions. I feel like physically the pregnancy tea, primrose oil, and gentle birth blend helped make my labor and delivery very easy! I was also a faithful viewer of the mama natural show and felt very encouraged and knowledgeable because of it!
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What surprised you about your birth?
I was surprised how fast my birth went. I didn't know how long or short it would be since I was induced the first time and its always different. I was also surprised how in tuned I was with my body. I had not experienced a labor and delivery with so much feeling and control.
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It was the most amazing feeling in the world. The overwhelming feeling of love and relief that she was finally in my arms.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
While laboring at home I would get on all fours and have my husband rub down on my back. I had major back labor! As soon as I got to the birth center I jumped into the birth tub! The warm water was like magic!
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What position did you end up delivering in?
My midwife took notes of all of the positions I got into during labor. I pretty much did it all! I ended up delivering laying back against the birthing tub.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It was the most amazing feeling in the world. The overwhelming feeling of love and relief that she was finally in my arms.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
You can do it! Your body is made for this! I would recommend gathering a great support team. I would also use all of the natural pregnancy and delivery herbs! The oils and teas are so helpful! I also enjoyed watching and hearing about other natural deliveries. It's good to see and hear that every birth is different and perfect in its own way. Have a plan but try to go with the flow at the same time.
Here is the link to my birth video
https://youtu.be/2Z2jS7pXb5c
