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When did you realize you were really in labor?
When I woke up at 4:30 am and had contractions that I knew were real.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Nothing this time around because my second birth had also been natural at a birth center.
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homebirth
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I read the chapter called "From Celebration to Fear - A History of Women and Birthing" in Marie Mongan's book "Hypnobirthing" about 10 times to be in the proper state of mind.
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What surprised you about your birth?
First of all, that this was my first girl after having 2 boys! It was pretty quick too, about 3.5 hours.
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I read the chapter called "From Celebration to Fear - A History of Women and Birthing" in Marie Mongan's book "Hypnobirthing" about 10 times to be in the proper state of mind.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Counter pressure on my butt: I was on all fours on the living room floor with my husband behind me acting like a chair. Deep breathing and the warm water of the birth pool.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Sitting in the birth pool with my husband behind me holding me up.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
I caught her and brought her to my chest and looked at her face, then checked to see what sex she was. It was amazing knowing I had accomplished natural birth again, it gets easier every time as long as you have the right people there with you (my husband, mom 2 midwives).
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Read non-mainstream pregnancy and birth books, eat real, whole, organic foods, and have confidence in yourself, women have been doing this forever.
