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Video Interview With Katie
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When did you realize you were really in labor?
It was 3 a.m. on June 27, 2022, when I woke up to a contraction and knew I was in labor. This wasn’t my first “rodeo”, but I started timing them to be sure that this was the real deal. The contractions were roughly 30 seconds long and 3-5 minutes apart and I knew for sure that it was “go time”!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Everything about this birth was actually the very opposite of challenging. It was the most wonderful and serene experience!
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Spiritually, the most helpful thing I did was be in constant prayer throughout pregnancy and labor.
Mentally, the most helpful thing I did was stay completely relaxed like “jello”. Doing this helped my body work WITH the contractions instead of tensing up and working against them. I repeated a saying to myself during each contraction to remember. “soft hands, soft jaw, jello butt, breathe.”
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What surprised you about your birth?
The labor went so fast (4 hours total) and came so quickly (1 minute of pushing) that our midwife missed the birth! Luckily, our doula walked in right as I needed to push so she was able to assist in the delivery.
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If I could describe this feeling in one word it would be serenity. I had just birthed our baby girl while standing in our bathroom and when she was in my hands it was the most serene feeling. I was completely at peace and so in love.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Prayer/meditation, staying relaxed, warm bath, leaning on my husband while swaying back and forth.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I birthed in a standing up position.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
If I could describe this feeling in one word it would be serenity. I had just birthed our baby girl while standing in our bathroom and when she was in my hands it was the most serene feeling. I was completely at peace and so in love.
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What did you name your baby, and why?
We named her Anniston Grace. Anniston was honestly just a name that we both liked and agreed on. My husband chose Grace for the middle name and I loved it because he loved it so much.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
My advice would be to let go of the fear of pain and DO IT! Our bodies are so amazing and we’re made for this! You CAN do it and you will LOVE it!! Stay calm, stay completely relaxed, prepare your mind and be educated beforehand, and let your body birth this baby naturally ❤️
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How did the Mama Natural Birth Class help you in your childbirth?
The mama natural class helped me to let go of fear and embrace pregnancy and childbirth. I was extremely prepared and excited to give birth because of mama natural.
