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When did you realize you were really in labor?
When my water broke! It was in the middle of the night, I had got up to pee, and when I got back to bed I felt something “plop”, I jumped out of bed just in time. No doubts about what just happened!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Convincing my family ánd Greek family in law that this was the best thing for us.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I did a Hypnobirthing individual class, the relaxation techniques where helpful. Also, reading Ina May Gaskins book helped a lot! I was really well prepared and just believed I could do it. Also, I stayed fit by walking and riding my bike a lot and ate a healthy vegan diet.
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What surprised you about your birth?
That it started with my water breaking! Also, how fast it went. When the midwife arrived 2 hours after that I was already fully dilated, it was quite a shock that I could start pushing.
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Read read read! About childbirth in general, natural birth, and positive birth stories. Also, try to stay active as long as possible, it will help you during and after childbirth.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Breathing like a horse, and moaning. Also, I was on my arms and knees the whole time, it just felt the most comfortable.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It was so wonderful! Here she was, earlier then I expected, and perfect! She was on my chest for over an hour and I couldn’t stop stroking and kissing her.
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What did you name your baby, and why?
Danaë, it’s a Greek name that we both really like.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Read read read! About childbirth in general, natural birth, and positive birth stories. Also, try to stay active as long as possible, it will help you during and after childbirth.
