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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I was eating dinner while having contractions about 5 minutes apart. After finishing my five bites, they started getting closer together and I was having to focus and use deep breathing to get through them.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I thought I had prepared my mind enough for the marathon that labor would be. Nine hours in and I was just so exhausted it took several people and positions and tools to put me back into a clear mental space so I could focus on bringing baby closer.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I followed advice from Mama Natural Birth Course and updates- drank RRL tea, ate dates, saw a chiropractor, stuck to a nutritious healthy diet, went to yoga, walked daily, bounced on a ball, and read my affirmations before bed. I think everything added up and helped me understand and listen to my body during the process.
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What surprised you about your birth?
Looking back I think the labor I experienced was more intense than it was painful but only because it was all unknown to me.
Also, the fact that her head was so smooth when I reached down to feel her crowning. Come to find out later that she was born en caul so that's why her head wasn't wrinkly like I expected.
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The Classes helped me and husband connect as a couple and to prepare for the childbirth process & expectations and how to be informed parents even before baby was earthside.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
I used the tub during active labor to get me to transition. It was helpful in getting me to warm up since it was a chilly night. I also had my doula and husband pour water down my back during waves and that was heavenly. I was mostly on hands and knees because coming into an almost child's pose helped alleviate some discomfort as well.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I was in a supported deep squat- my husband was in front of me on the bed with a stack of pillows and I leaned into him and grabbed his waist during contractions.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It was indescribable. I reached down immediately and heard her cry and think I said "Oh my God, my baby" hundreds of times.
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How did the Mama Natural Birth Class help you in your childbirth?
Since this was my first I had no idea the amount of information I did NOT know before learning about it through the course. The classes helped me and husband connect as a couple and to prepare for the childbirth process & expectations and how to be informed parents even before baby was earthside.
