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When did you realize you were really in labor?
My water broke (first time in 4 births!) but contractions didn’t start for about an hour after. Water breaking was the weirdest thing because I didn’t realize it would just keep coming! Hahahaha. Thank God I had a friend who recommended just getting Fancy Depends ?
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
With my first, the most challenging thing was the unknown. We did lots of classes and prep, but you never know until you go through it. By the 4th one, the challenge was knowing how far you had to go and how much your body was going to endure.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I did Hypnobirth with my first and second. With the 3rd and 4th, I did water births. Taking natural prenatal classes was the best prep. Having some tools to implement and expectations helped. My husband was on board for natural birth and was my best doula EVER! He learned as much as I did and ended up being the birth assistant with our 3rd because she came so quick.
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What surprised you about your birth?
The most surprising thing was how different all 4 births were. I went natural with all of them but they could have not been more different. Embracing the processes and going with it each time was amazing. By the 4th natural birth, I just wanted everyone to go away... hahaha. I honestly felt like I just wanted to do that one solo ?♀️?
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Do your research! Prepare! You can 100% do it but you need to know what your body is doing/going through and work WITH it, not against it ?
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Counter pressure for my first. And the yoga ball worked with all of them! Hot showers early on and then whirlpool tubs with the last 2
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
There is always so much relief when they are there. A rush of oxytocin and just relief that it’s all over and you have a whole human to love. It’s surreal.
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What did you name your baby, and why?
Brynn Riley, Kinley Kate, Piper Noel and Cace Malcolm. All have Irish roots and there are some “family” names peppered in. I was determined to give my kids first names that would not be shortened into nicknames. This comes from a “Jennifer” that had to constantly “correct” everyone to my middle name ?
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Do your research! Prepare! You can 100% do it but you need to know what your body is doing/going through and work WITH it, not against it ?