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When did you realize you were really in labor?
In the morning I had bloody show so I had a feeling I would be going into labor soon. I remembered to rest so I took 2 Benadryl (Midwife's suggestion) and slept from 8 AM - 3 PM. At 6 PM my contractions started.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Having to defend my choice to everyone around me that was unfamiliar with natural childbirth and the midwifery care model. So many people doubted I would go through with it because they thought I was naïve.
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rebozo
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Being informed by researching and preparing. I took Mama Natural child birthing classes, watched birth videos, read Ina May Gaskin's book, learned about Spinning Babies techniques and knew the ins and outs of evidence-based birth.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How I was completely in my own head. My husband said my eyes were closed the whole time. I kept repeating affirmations to myself and have no concept of time or dilation progression.
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I found the information to match exactly what I encountered in my labor and delivery. The exercises helped with the preparation and introduced me to rebozo which helped relieve so much pain throughout pregnancy. The birth videos were great. The first one was so intense that I thought I wouldn't be able to go natural after all. Ironically, that prepared me the most because I encountered the "ring of fire" when the baby was crowning. It's also important to be cognizant of all the ways your birth plan can change.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Taking one contraction at a time. I kept telling myself to ride the wave.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
I was so shocked how big she was that I couldn't even believe she just came out of me. I felt so grateful she was healthy because I was anxious leading up to birth. The instant love is indescribable.
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What did you name your baby, and why?
Violet. I always loved the name from the show Private Practice, but once I saw it was the birth flower of the month she was due I knew it was meant to be.
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How did the Mama Natural Birth Class help you in your childbirth?
I found the information to match exactly what I encountered in my labor and delivery. The exercises helped with the preparation and introduced me to rebozo which helped relieve so much pain throughout pregnancy. The birth videos were great. The first one was so intense that I thought I wouldn't be able to go natural after all. Ironically, that prepared me the most because I encountered the "ring of fire" when the baby was crowning. It's also important to be cognizant of all the ways your birth plan can change.
