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When did you realize you were really in labor?
About 5 hours after I felt my first contraction, I had my first painful contraction in which I had to wake up my partner and needed his support to breathe through it. That's when I was sure it was the real deal!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Being mentally strong enough to remember it was all temporary, to work with my body, and trust in the work it was doing. It's so easy to get lost in the pain & lose focus of why you are doing what you're doing. But the second your baby is laid in your arms, you remember. "Pain with a purpose" became my mantra.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Reading Ina May Gaskin's "Guide to Childbirth". Also, choosing my health care provider with great care. My midwife was so amazing, I cannot stress enough how great it is to be surrounded by people you know you can trust while you are at your most vulnerable.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How quick it was! I gave birth less than 20 minutes after walking into the hospital. I had wanted to labor at home as long as possible, and I'm so glad I was able to accomplish that. It truly happened exactly as I envisioned.
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Believe you can do it. The thoughts you fill your head with manifest themselves into reality. Decide what you want, and do not let doubts or second guesses to weaken your resolve. Go in with the plan that you will birth your baby naturally, and work with your body to make it happen. Remember... Thousands of women have gone before you, thousands are birthing with you, and thousands will follow in your footsteps. You are not alone! It is my hope that every woman experiences the birth she has envisioned.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Bouncing on the yoga ball, pressure on my hips, breathing through the contractions, and water (bath & shower).
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I pushed on my hands and knees and during the last contraction turned over as he was born turned on my back to catch him.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Indescribable. Truly, love incarnate.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Believe you can do it. The thoughts you fill your head with manifest themselves into reality. Decide what you want, and do not let doubts or second guesses to weaken your resolve. Go in with the plan that you will birth your baby naturally, and work with your body to make it happen. Remember... Thousands of women have gone before you, thousands are birthing with you, and thousands will follow in your footsteps. You are not alone! It is my hope that every woman experiences the birth she has envisioned.
