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When did you realize you were really in labor?
When I had contractions that were more consistent, coming about every 7 minutes for an hour is when I realized I was really in labor. That’s when I woke my husband up (at 3 am) and told him “I’m in labor!” ??
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging part of going Natural for me was right at the end when the baby’s head was crowning. It was very intense pressure and pain and I was doubting myself that I could push the baby out. I kept saying, “I can’t, I can’t”.. my doula told me that when mama is saying she can’t, she’s there!! And she can! I did have an episiotomy with both of my births but have healed great! Having to have an episiotomy is not scary.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Reading your book!!! I wish that I had known about your book during my first pregnancy and I did go all natural with my first birth, but it is so informative and it is nice to be able to know what’s going in with your body week by week. Also, the illustrations of the stretches as well as the laboring and pushing positions was very helpful for my birth this time around. I delivered my baby on my side this time instead of in the standard lying on your back position which I felt was did not help my cause. Also, My husband and I took a 5 week Hypnobirthing class and we got a doula! (Having a doula is a MUST in my option if you want to have a natural birth in a hospital).
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What surprised you about your birth?
What surprised me about my birth was that 10 hours of active labor and delivery felt fast!
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The best feeling in the world!!!! Indescribable and amazing! Like holding a little angel fresh from Heaven.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Laboring on the birthing ball helped me stay loose and not allow my body to tense up. Lavender scents also helped calm me.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I ended up delivering on my side holding my own leg up. I was happy that I delivered in that position. I pushed on all fours for a while but my midwife felt in needed to go into another position for baby and I felt that on my side would be effective.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
The best feeling in the world!!!! Indescribable and amazing! Like holding a little angel fresh from Heaven.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Do it!! You CAN do it and it sooooo worth it. Your body knows what to do. It was created to do it. It is best for you and so best for baby. It is only a day (or less) of some discomfort and some pain (it was only painful at the very end during pushing for me) for a lifetime of happiness, empowerment, accomplishment, and having a happy healthy baby. You won’t have any regrets if you go natural, but you could have regrets if you don’t.
