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When did you realize you were really in labor?
Baby boy decided to hang out in mommy's tummy for an extra 12 days so we were induced. Thankfully we were able to use the least invasive induction option of the prostaglandin gel and had an un-medicated delivery. I realized I was in labor when my waters broke.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The pain of pushing. In my mind I thought I was prepared for the pain. I was not! I expected pushing to be the fast part but it took 40-50 pushes and almost 2 hours of the 4.5 hour birth for me to push him out.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Pray! :) Mama Natural's birthing course was amazing at preparing us! Taking the course was the most helpful thing we did to prepare for childbirth.
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What surprised you about your birth?
It surprised me that I could actually do this! After delivery I was in a state of shock and awe both from the pain but also the amazing fact that your body can physically go through the birthing process.
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The course gave us the tools we needed to be prepared for birth but also to be educated so that we could make informed decisions. I love the natural approach and I felt so empowered.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Breathing, long slow deep breathes, and being on all fours during contractions were the best strategies for me. I didn't have a lot of time to consider options because I went from being 1 centimeter to 8 in 1.5 hours and was instantly in a great deal of pain.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
The position I delivered in was on my back in the hospital bed. Living overseas, we did not have the option to deliver anywhere but the hospital. The bed converted into a specific labor and delivery bed with stirrups etc.
Looking back, my husband and I both agreed that it seems like pushing would be easier if you were going with gravity and and not on your back!
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It was the most incredible moment of my entire life. It's surreal, special, overwhelming and beautiful.
The love that God instantly gives you for your child is unlike anything I've ever known.
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How did the Mama Natural Birth Class help you in your childbirth?
The Mama Natural Birth Class helped in so many ways! The course gave us the tools we needed to be prepared for birth but also to be educated so that we could make informed decisions. I love the natural approach and I felt so empowered. I am thrilled that in spite of the fact that we delivered in a different country where birthing clinics, home and water births aren't even an option, we were still able to have a natural birth experience. (Minus the induction.)
