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When did you realize you were really in labor?
My first contraction was so powerful I was straight onto my hands and knee's, by the second one 10 minutes later I knew it was happening, 30 minutes later they were 3 minutes apart and we were leaving for the birth center!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I had to stay so focused as it was happening so fast I didn't even think about pain relief, I'd even forgotten about gas and air until it was offered to me.. the pool and music really helps too .
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Just knowing my bags were packed was the main thing. I also read Ina May Gaskin's book which had loaf's of great natural birth stories and information on how childbirth works. A really helpful tip from the book is to keep your jaw relaxed to help your cervix relax and dilate, I found this to be true and kept telling myself to relax my jaw.
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What surprised you about your birth?
It was 2.5 hours long, that surprised me!! breastfeeding really helps to get the placenta out naturally. It took 30 this time. Last time I tried for an hour and 20 minutes without breastfeeding and couldn't get it out naturally and had to have the injection.
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Read Ina May Gaskin's books and don't be scared!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
I just had gas and air and used the birthing pool, staying calm and focused and not fearful also helps with pain .
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Squatting in the pool
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
it was emotional!!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Read Ina May Gaskin's books and don't be scared!
