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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I had been in early labor for five days when my water broke at 5:30 am August 8, 2016.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The early labor was the most challenging and frustrating. I never could figure out if I was going to have a baby! The contractions would get strong then go away which drove me nuts, but in the end was great preparation for birth.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I implemented the Hypnobirthing Mongan Method and it was an amazing experience. I practiced the relaxation techniques and listened to the hypnobirthing tracks every day from 18 weeks onward. I also watched Mama Natural videos on baby positioning and was constantly doing the pelvic exercises found on spinning babies' website.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How quick and painless it was! I had two hours of intense labor but not fighting the contractions, using counter pressure and hypnobirthing I experienced no pain - only pressure. It actually felt good to push the baby out! I barely made it to the labor room in time and my doctor didn't even make it! My baby was almost caught by nurses but they found a doctor in the hall to come catch her! I was also surprised by how awesome the experience was! My first child's birth was not a good experience and I suffered postpartum depression afterwards because of all the interventions used which caused breastfeeding to fail. However, this time I'm on a constant happy high and breastfeeding is just another piece of this amazing experience so far!
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Practice hypnobirthing as soon as possible and exercise! My body and mind were really strong which made it all possible. It's super important to strengthen both!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Focusing on breathing helped me through most of it as well as mind control (uterus is a red balloon, picturing my special place and my baby, etc.). Counter pressure got me through transition. My mom put pressure on my back and knee at the same time and it felt so good!
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What position did you end up delivering in?
All fours on top of the bed. The doctor kept telling me to turn over, but I ignored him and pushed a baby into his hands instead!
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Amazing. I didn't bond well with my first child since I was so drugged from the epidural I received, but this time with my daughter I was instantly in awe and love!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Practice hypnobirthing as soon as possible and exercise! My body and mind were really strong which made it all possible. It's super important to strengthen both!
