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When did you realize you were really in labor?
My contractions intensified quickly and after a call to my doula, I knew I was going to meet my baby soon!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The pushing phase. The pressure was so intense I kept wanting to say I give up. Finally I said it out loud and on the next push, my baby was born.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Hypnobirthing and working with my doula. My calm and confident mindset going in was so important. My mind was relaxed, so my body was relaxed. I found the birth affirmations in the Hypnobirthing program very helpful.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How fast it was! 5 hours from the first contraction to my baby in my arms!
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You need no advice! You and your baby are already equipped with everything you need to have a beautiful, natural birth. Get yourself to a place where you truly believe that. The best thing you can do is find like-minded support, and ignore the haters & horror stories.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
When the transition phase of labor began, I started feeling overwhelmed by the pain. My doula suggested I try laboring in the shower. It was amazing! She aimed the hose at my back with hot water, and the pain became manageable again. I used the bar in the shower for support to rock my hips back and forth and squat through contractions.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
My hands and knees. Throughout my labor I felt a very intense pressure in my lower back and could not sit or lay down. I labored in the shower until I felt like I had to push, then walked over to the hospital bed. Without even thinking about it I climbed up on to my hands and knees. I think my body was trying to tell me that was the best position to get my baby out.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Such a high. A feeling I have never experienced before and can’t begin to put into words. My first daughter was taken to the NICU shortly after she was born, so getting to pick my baby up and put her right on my chest was amazing. I couldn't stop smiling.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
You need no advice! You and your baby are already equipped with everything you need to have a beautiful, natural birth. Get yourself to a place where you truly believe that. The best thing you can do is find like-minded support, and ignore the haters & horror stories.
