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When did you realize you were really in labor?
My water broke a little before 9pm on February 21, the day before baby's due date. This is my second baby so I knew to start timing contractions when I noticed a pattern, which was about 10:30pm. We called for our friend to come over to the house to stay with our 3 year old, Harrison. We had hired a birth photographer (Stephanie Knowles from Jaiden Photography) so she was there along with my mother, Betty. We headed to the hospital in a caravan.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I have had two all natural births, the most challenging thing for me the first time around was fear of the unknown. I read all the books, took a Bradley Method class and prepared myself as best I could physically and mentally, but never having given birth I didn't really know what to expect, since all births are special and unique. Come to find out I have rather quick labors and actually getting to the hospital in time was my biggest challenge! First baby, Harrison, total labor was 6 1/2 hours and I labored at home for a bit too long actually went into the pushing stage. We did make it to the hospital and he was born 30 minutes after we arrived. My second birth, Parker, who was just born February 22, was a quick 3 hours. Born in the hospital parking lot. We didn't make it inside!
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Educating myself to prepare mentally. Reading Ina May Gaskins books, taking Hypnobirthing and Bradley Method classes. Surrounding myself with positive people who have positive birth stories. Reading about natural births. Physically I did yoga, walked, ate well and went to the chiropractor regularly.
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What surprised you about your birth?
My sweet boy Noah Parker van Rhyn Strunk was born in the front seat of my car in the hospital parking lot, this was a HUGE surprise! My husband, Noah, delivered him!
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Take comfort in knowing many women before you and after you have done this and will do it again. You CAN do it mama! You are more powerful than you know. Surround yourself with other positive natural mamas :)
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Breathing and being vocal during contractions and pushing. Movement and the birthing ball was amazing! Also, my husbands touch and voice helped to calm me.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I was in the front seat of the car so I had my legs up on the door and the baby just kind of shot out!! It all happened so fast!!
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Pure LOVE. JOY. An overwhelming amount of relief and happiness that he was here safe and healthy!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
It takes preparation. Taking care of yourself while pregnant is key to prepare yourself physically but you also have to prepare mentally. Just as our bodies were made to breathe air, they were made to birth. Take comfort in knowing many women before you and after you have done this and will do it again. You CAN do it mama! You are more powerful than you know. Surround yourself with other positive natural mamas :)
