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When did you realize you were really in labor?
This was my second birth, and I began to have light contractions on and off for a few days before D-day. I knew I was in active labor when my water broke at midnight in bed (thank goodness it was just a few small gushes, so we didn't have a huge mess!) Three hours later, our son was born! I couldn't believe how fast and smoothly this labor went!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Being this was my second birth, I was a little scared to go into labor, remembering how painful it was the first time around (which was also a natural birth). We don't have the option of a birthing center run by midwives in my area, and a home birth was too scary for me, as we're 45 miles away from the nearest hospital. I didn't have the best experience with my first natural birth in the hospital, so I was afraid that my wishes wouldn't be honored. Luckily, the staff at the hospital were great, and I had my best birth yet! I was able to do immediate skin to skin, wait to cut the cord until after it stopped pulsating, and had over an hour of bonding time before measurements and tests were performed.
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Rudy-suitcase
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Reading the Mama Natural guide to pregnancy! I read the book cover to cover, and tried some things I didn't with my first birth, such as drinking red raspberry leaf tea, eating dates, and going in for regular chiropractic adjustments.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How fast and easy it was! 3 hours of active labor!
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Don't pressure yourself to do everything "perfectly." During pregnancy, take a few natural tips and run with them, doing what you have the grace for and not running yourself ragged trying to follow all of the natural tips and remedies out there.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Birthing in the tub made my contractions feel less strong, deep breathing, and swaying back and forth during contractions.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On the bed, sitting mostly up so I was almost squatting.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Surreal. So relieved that it was all over, and in awe of the miracle that birth is. Indescribable love for my son and my husband.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Don't pressure yourself to do everything "perfectly." During pregnancy, take a few natural tips and run with them, doing what you have the grace for and not running yourself ragged trying to follow all of the natural tips and remedies out there. Get exercise! And during labor, make sure you have a strong support person to help you through.
