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When did you realize you were really in labor?
After I lost my mucus plug I tried to go back to sleep, but I couldn't because the contractions were already coming on strong.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
It was challenging to find a position that was comfortable because the contractions came on so suddenly and were intense from the get go.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I chose the best doula, and from 25 weeks on I saw a Webster Chiropractor regularly. In fact, I was adjusted the day before I had my daughter. I was also getting acupuncture and listening to Belleruth Napersteck's self hypnosis and affirmations for a healthy and successful pregnancy and childbirth.
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What surprised you about your birth?
It happened so fast! I didn't really have any warning signs. And when I arrived at the hospital, the nurse wasn't in a hurry to check me despite the fact that I was pushing when I arrived. Apparently I seemed too calm and wasn't exhibiting the type of pushing they look for (holding breath and pushing). My daughter was born about 1 hour after checking in at the hospital.
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It was so surreal to hold my baby for the first time. I couldn't believe she was here. I went to bed oblivious and pregnant, and was holding my baby in the morning.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Breathing and distraction. I listened to self hypnosis & affirmations on repeat while in labor at home and in the car on our way to the hospital. Then at the hospital, my doula layed out some of the affirmations I had prepared on my bed so I could see while the nurse was doing intake (I was standing, leaning on the bed).
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I delivered laying in the bed, laying on my side/back. I originally wanted to deliver on all fours, but it was much more difficult to move in the heat of the moment. And I was already laying in the bed from being checked.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It was so surreal to hold my baby for the first time. I couldn't believe she was here. I went to bed oblivious and pregnant, and was holding my baby in the morning.
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How did the Mama Natural Birth Class help you in your childbirth?
Mama Natural is the one that suggested to find a chiropractor that practiced the Webster Technique. She also provided an awesome visual birth plan that was easy to customize and add to.
