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When did you realize you were really in labor?
Monday, April 8th, I started having contractions every hour or so. I knew these were early labor contractions because they were low, they had s clear beginning and ending, and for me it did feel like a more intense menstrual cramp.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I think the unknown. When active labor starts it is already painful and exhausting and you don’t know how painful it’s going to get or if you’ll be able to handle it. When you’re already screaming and throwing up before you’re pushing, you wonder can I really handle the pain of pushing?
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
The Mama Natural class was very helpful in setting up expectations to basically not have expectations. Every birth is different. But also I’m learning the mechanics. What is actually happening, what needs to happen, etc. so one thing I was prepared for was to not push until I was for sure fully dilated and my body was involuntarily pushing. So, I only pushed for 30 minutes in total. Which was great! Also, my yoga practice gave me the skills to cope really well with my breathing.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How many people did not believe me that I was in labor - both when it was early and when it was active
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The information about each labor stage and what the body is doing was super helpful for me. Also, the stories gave a perspective that each birth is different. So you ever know how long it might last. And the natural alternatives to things like induction or getting the baby in optimal position were helpful - I used the raspberry tea and acupuncture and practiced different positions.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Concentrating on my breath, using hot water (showers and bath), low groaning or deep vocalizations, remembering mentally that each contraction is productive (it’s getting me closer to the end)
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Honestly, I was in shock I think. It was overwhelming in a beautiful, OMG, did this really just happen kind of way. After about a half hour, the bonding and love emotions really came through and it was truly amazing.
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What did you name your baby, and why?
Evelyn Faye. It took s a day or so to decide. We narrowed it down to our favorites and then spent some time trying them on her and it fit the best.
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How did the Mama Natural Birth Class help you in your childbirth?
The information about each labor stage and what the body is doing was super helpful for me. Also, the stories gave a perspective that each birth is different. So you ever know how long it might last. And the natural alternatives to things like induction or getting the baby in optimal position were helpful - I used the red raspberry leaf tea and acupuncture and practiced different positions.
