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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I realized I was in labor at about 9am. I was resting in bed and had been up all night with inconsistent contractions (timing and intensity). I had several very intense contractions with pressure and all spaced out about the same amount of time and lasting about the same amount of time.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Crowning- Also affectionately known as, "the ring of fire"! By far the toughest thing. I was told by my midwife and nurse afterwards that my labor and delivery was the quietest they had ever attended. I really focused all my energy on getting through each contraction but when my son started crowning I started to loose focus temporarily and it was very challenging to regain my control and focus.
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IMG_1981
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I spoke to my friend who was a doula and she was able to provide so many helpful tips. My first delivery I made it 12 hours with no meds but I didn't have a good support team and I was nervous with it being my first... I eventually caved. I wasn't prepared for what to expect and how to address anything that might come up. The second time around though I had an idea of how to address the most common discomforts that one faces.
Lavender and Peppermint oil played a huge role throughout my delivery. My husband would wet a cold rag and place a few drops of each. One rag would go on the back on my neck and the other I held to wipe my face and inhale to relax during transition.
The birthing ball when we first arrived also helped to move things along. I sat on that for quite a while. The bath also was such a help. We were not allowed to have a water birth but I stayed in the bath until I felt I was about ready to push.
Focusing on getting through each contraction and not yelling allowed me to really save my energy.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How quick it went and how easy my recovery was. My first delivery I had an epidural, after struggling to keep calm for 12 hours. It was another 6 1/2 before I finally had my daughter. With my second, and all natural delivery, from start to finish it was 6 hours. Also, within 30 minutes after having my son I was up walking and using the bathroom on my own. With my daughter it was a full day before I could stand without support.
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Find what calms you down (for me the bath and essential oils) and make sure your support team know so they can be there ready to provide/suggest those comforts when things get tough.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
The lavender oil really helped keep calm which in turn surprisingly helped lessen the pain. I also used the bath and had the jets pointed to my lower back as I had back labor. When I was on the bed I was on my hands and knees and that again took pressure off my back.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I ended up delivering on my back.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
With already having one child I was convinced she already had all my heart and was so nervous about where I would be able to pull more of my heart for my son, but as soon as I saw him and he was in my arms I knew he had all of my heart as well. Its amazing being able to love your kids each so completely.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Get support! My husband, midwife and friend who is a doula(unable to attend birth but still such a help with suggestions) were my support group. My midwife and husband knew that going natural was the plan and fully supported me the entire time. Find what calms you down (for me the bath and essential oils) and make sure they know so they can be there ready to provide/suggest those comforts when things get tough.
