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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I realized that I was really in labor when my contractions started to intensify and I became more and more uncomfortable. I now had to brace myself and breathe through each surge. At this time I lost my mucus plug and I knew that changes were occurring to the cervix and that it was go time!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging thing about going natural was enduring the intensity of the contractions. I needed total concentration and focus on coping with each one by using my breath and vocalization. Although it was "painful" I truly wanted to experience the full sensation of birth because I believe it to be the most powerful thing that we as women can go through in our lives and I didn't want that experience to be "numbed" for me. Although it was hard at no point was I suffering and at no point did I think that I couldn't do it. I just took each contraction one by one.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Childbirth Education and Prenatal Yoga. The practice of yoga helps to cultivate moment-to-moment awareness of the breath. This prepares us for dealing with the intense sensations of birthing. A prenatal yoga class includes practices to prepare for birth by meeting challenges and practicing surrender. The physical asanas are chosen to optimally position the baby, to build strength and to open the pelvis. Relaxation, restorative poses, meditation, and inner listening are important aspects of the practice and are tools that truly gave me support through the experience of giving birth.
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What surprised you about your birth?
My baby came two weeks early! I thought we had more time :) I was also surprised at how good it felt to work with my body to push her out. I loved being active in the role of bringing her down, out and into the world. My husband said that as I was pushing a huge smile came across my face. I knew that I was going to meet my baby, that I had done it, and that it was about to be over. What a joyful experience birthing is!
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You can do it! We were born to do this! It is our birthright to have the fullness and richness and intensity of this profound experience of birth. Everything that you need is already within you.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
I had a water birth which was excellent pain management. The warm water really helped me to relax around the intensity of the surges. I also found great relief and coping mechanisms through deep breathing and moaning.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Full on squat! Just like a cave woman : )
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Oh my goodness. It felt like my heart exploded in gratitude, joy, ecstasy, love, and tenderness. It is the most amazing feeling in the world! Her smell..her cry..her weight in my arms. She was finally here and through weeping tears I kissed her all over and rocked back and forth saying "hi honey!"
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
You can do it! We were born to do this! It is our birthright to have the fullness and richness and intensity of this profound experience of birth. Everything that you need is already within you. Educate yourselves as much as possible. Have the support surrounding you so that you can hold on to those you love and trust when you need a hand to squeeze. Lastly believe in yourself and surrender to the amazing power of birth. Blessings to you all!
