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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I had woken up at 4 am and felt some contractions but fell back asleep. I woke up at 8 am because my water broke, after a call with my midwife, I knew that it was beginning.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I don't know how it would have been with an epidural but transitioning was horrible and afterward by baby was pushing down so much that I was having lower back pain and pain in my legs. If someone had offered to take the pain away I would have accepted.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I talked very openly with my midwives so they were able to help me with fears, physical issues and just made me feel so at ease. I read Birthing from Within and it gave me courage. And then I got the Mama natural birth affirmation cards and they were super helpful.
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What surprised you about your birth?
It felt like my baby was pushing herself out and I was just along for the ride. I got in the bathtub and relaxed and just tried to see myself opening up and letting her out. It was amazingly easy compared to my first one.
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Breathing deeply and read the affirmation card about "my baby being born gracefully".
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Breathing deeply and read the affirmation card about "my baby being born gracefully".
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Amazing, couldn't take my eyes off of her and kept kissing her.
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What did you name your baby, and why?
Alma Marie, Alma is my great grandmother's name but it was more because we just liked it.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Get a midwife and have a home or birth center birth. If you have made the decision to have a drug-free birth, commit to it and do everything you can to support yourself in getting there.
