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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I kind of knew right away when I was woken up by a contraction at 3am, but I didn't want to get to excited in case it was a false alarm. I also heard about labour stalling when the sun comes up. After 3 hours and stronger contractions during daylight I knew it was the real deal. I called my Doula, had a long shower and tried to have a little breakfast.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I honestly didn't feel that going natural was challenging. I really loved the experience. There was not one moment where I doubted my body or wished for any pain relief. Having my wonderful support people around, water and cold towels was all I needed. And my yoga mantra music was a great help too.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I meditate regularly for long amounts of time and feel this was the greatest preparation. It helped me to connect with my body and baby and also really helps with discipline, willpower and learning to be comfortable with the uncomfortable. Of course together with reading and learning as much about the birth process as possible. I find knowledge extremely empowering.
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What surprised you about your birth?
That it was so quick! I imagined having a longer labour as a first time Mum. My Doula always told me to just ignore contractions when they start and to go about my day as long as possible. My contractions started of strong and close together and I was wondering how to go about my day. It's so funny looking back. I asked my husband (in between contractions) to go to the park together. He just stared at me with a blank face, looked down at his phone and said: "Your contractions are 4minutes sort and lasting for one minute!" From the first mild cramps at 3am, to labouring at home until 11.30am, I already had my baby at 2.22pm. It all went pretty quickly.
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Learn as much about the whole process as possible. Read inspiring books, positive birth stories, get a Doula or midwife that supports your ideas, do a birth course with your partner, so they can be as involved and helpful as possible.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
I just needed water. I was incredibly thirsty and cold towels around my neck. I guess, my best "pain" relief was clinging and hugging my husband during every strong contraction in the very end. I was very high on hormones and can't say that I felt pain.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Kneeling on the floor, with my arms wrapped around my husbands neck.
I was labouring on all fours before. I never consciously decided on any position, it just happened and felt like the most natural position for me.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Just amazing. It was then when I reached down to hold her that I was transported back to the room and reality immediately, I was right awake and so excited! Up until this moment I was withdrawn in birth bubble land and only heard everyone's voices from far away. It took me a few seconds to react when everyone told me to reach down to pick up my baby. I kept repeating: "Oh my god, oh my god, my baby, my baby..." and then gave her a warm welcome to the world when placing her on my chest. It was the best day ever and after I snuggled with her on the bed, I looked around the room and said it out loud: "This was amazing!"
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Learn as much about the whole process as possible. Read inspiring books, positive birth stories, get a Doula or midwife that supports your ideas, do a birth course with your partner, so they can be as involved and helpful as possible. Be prepared, have your bags packed with anything that could come in handy, essential oils, music...etc and maybe learn how to meditate and practice long deep meditations, I feel it was my greatest tool. Trust your body. Be open to what happens on the day and stay positive.
