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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I was over 41 weeks pregnant and anxious for labor since I was delivering at a birth center. If you go past 42 weeks, you are transferred to a hospital and I wanted to avoid that! I had my membranes stripped, ate spicy Thai food for dinner, went for a walk and had sex that night in hopes of jump starting labor. When I woke up with contractions I knew it was time!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Having had my first child naturally at a birth center, I knew what I was in for. Personally it was not a challenge but it seemed most difficult for others to understand. Many family, friends and co workers questioned or challenged our plans.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I stayed active and ate well which helped me to feel great while pregnant. I read mama natural and watched videos before bed. I saw a chiropractor and stretched regularly to prepare my body. I ate dates and drank raspberry tea and I swear it made a difference. I also shut out all negativity.
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What surprised you about your birth?
After being in labor with my first born for 27 hours, I was prepared to be in it for the long haul! I was surprised at how manageable my contractions were and that I arrived at the birth center at 4:30 am and was pushing at 7:30 am. The biggest surprise was that my baby was a boy!! We didn't find out the gender but we're both convinced we were having another girl. Such a wonderful surprise!
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Believe in yourself. Listen to your heart. Connect with your baby. Surround yourself with positive people and find support in your plans!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
While laboring at home I lit a candle, and swayed over a large yoga ball in the dark. When we reached the birth center I immediately got in the tub and kept the lights dim. My husband and I asked to be alone and the privacy helped me to relax and focus. My husband pushed on my lower back with each contraction while I was on hands and knees in the tub. Listening to my breathing and making low sounds helped a lot.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
My body suddenly started pushing and it was fast and powerful. My sons head of was delivered after 5 pushes in the tub but he wouldn't budge beyond that. The midwife a had me get out and do a runners lunge before turning me to my back and pulling my sons body out.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Amazing!! I was shocked that he was a boy and overjoyed and relieved that he was here and ok. I was worried about having a second but it's true what everyone said, your heart just grows!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Believe in yourself. Listen to your heart. Connect with your baby. Surround yourself with positive people and find support in your plans!
