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When did you realize you were really in labor?
My water broke at 1:00am and contractions followed shortly after.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging thing about going natural was not being able to sleep through labor. Women I talk to who had an epidural brag about being able to sleep up until they pushed. Not the case with going natural! I was so exhausted that I was able to get a minute or two of sleep between contractions, but for the most part, I was extremely tired and exhausted. The transition phase of labor was also very painful!
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Yvonne-1
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Read natural birthing books, took a natural birthing class, did yoga and prenatal specific exercises daily, and worked on relaxation/breathing!
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What surprised you about your birth?
I know women talk about forgetting the pain quickly, but it did surprise me how true that was! I was also surprised with how well I dealt with sleep deprivation. You really are on a high afterwards!
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All I can say is you CAN do it. If I can, anyone can. I am a huge wuss! If you get in the right mindset from the beginning, you will NOT fail. Your body was made for this. Don't listen to others who say you're crazy or can't understand why you want to be superwoman. It's not about being superwoman. It's about allowing your body to do what it's supposed to do and providing your child a drug-free entry into the world!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Relaxing my facial muscles, breathing while imagining things moving down, and a good ol' shower helped me get through some of the toughest contractions! I also needed to be touching someone at all times, whether that be my husband or doula's hand - it was so comforting to me. My husband and I also did the dance/swaying move a lot during contractions.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Much to my surprise, I gave birth on my back! A big reason for me going all natural was to birth in any position that I wanted. I imagined delivering on all fours or squatting; however, I was surprisingly comfortable on my back.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Words can't even describe. To be able to meet, face-to-face, this tiny being that you have built a strong connection with already was so overwhelming! Since the birth was all natural, she was so awake and alert and just stared at me while I talked to her for almost two hours. So amazing. So much love.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
All I can say is you CAN do it. If I can, anyone can. I am a huge wuss! If you get in the right mindset from the beginning, you will NOT fail. Your body was made for this. Don't listen to others who say you're crazy or can't understand why you want to be superwoman. It's not about being superwoman. It's about allowing your body to do what it's supposed to do and providing your child a drug-free entry into the world!
