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When did you realize you were really in labor?
At 37 weeks I had 5 hours of contractions that I thought were the real deal! Then they stopped and didn't start until 40 weeks and 2 days. I labored at home for 5 1/2 hours until I felt like I was making really great dilation progress. I got to the hospital at 7cm, sat in the birthing tub for about a 1/2 hour, my water broke and that was a game changer!! I felt much stronger urges and contractions and felt the baby's head with my fingers. We called the nurse in and I got on the bed (they don't allow the birth in the tub, just laboring) and 30 minutes later my son was born! Medication free and ready for life on the outside!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The pressure made my body tense up despite hypnobirthing and calming preparations. I just had to get it out of my mind that medication was an option and that I and my body were designed for this task!
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Surround myself with like-minded (natural-minded) women who empowered me and prepared my mind and emotions. Eating clean, Red Raspberry Leaf tea, staying active, and stretching all helped prepare my body.
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What surprised you about your birth?
It was a surreal experience. I felt like I was transported into a dramatic movie, like my point of view changed and something inside registered that event as life changing and momentous! I was surprised that the feeling was really just extreme pressure like a massive poop! I was also surprised that I was awake and in control of so much still. I could feel my baby descend with pushed and "re-ascend" when I'd breathe (which in itself was a surprise and a little discouraging!).
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You can do it!!! You were fearfully and wonderfully made and perfectly designed for this specific job! You don't know the power or strength you have deep inside you until you're put to the test... embrace it!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
I just kept thinking that this pain/pressure will eventually end. I will not have this feeling for the rest of my life!
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I was on my hands and knees for crowning, then to my back for the final delivery.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
That's my prize. I had worked so hard and my baby had worked so hard that at the end, we found each other!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
You can do it!!! You were fearfully and wonderfully made and perfectly designed for this specific job! You don't know the power or strength you have deep inside you until you're put to the test... embrace it!
