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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I had been having cramping for weeks but I knew it was the beginning of labor when they started coming every 10 mns or so. I had been losing my mucus plug in bits and pieces over the previous 4 days so I knew it was on the horizon! :)
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I had over 50 hours of very intense back labor. (yes) When I knew I was going be having back labor I had to accept it mentally. I was not going to let that bring me down. I just focused on moving forward. So I would say the back labor and the duration was the most challenging part, it it took 3 trips to the birth center before I was dilated enough to stay! But it just required me to rely on the strength of Jesus that much more. It was such a beautiful progression.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I did a lot of mental and physical preparation. Physically I did spinning babies yoga routine 5 days a week and walked every day, I also did prenatal kickboxing! :) I would not have had the strength to last had I not been in shape! I did everything in my power to get my baby in the best position for childbirth! Mentally I cleared every fear about natural birth through prayer and meditation. I can honestly say through the whole 50 hours I was not scared once. I never panicked. I trusted my body and knew my son would come out healthy and strong :) Faith in Jesus Christ gave me that confidence. He created me to birth and mother this child.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How mentally in it I was. I've heard it called "labor land". I was just totally in the zone. Focusing on getting through each present contraction. Time did not exist, I had no idea how long my labor lasted until after. It was just me and my baby. Another thing that surprised me was how much I loved pushing!! It was so intense but so incredible! That was when I felt most connected to him, feeling my body do the work to push him down, knowing that I was doing the work to bring him into this world, it was so motivating! I didn't even mind the ring of fire because I knew he was so close to being here! Thinking about it gives me goose bumps! :)
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Pray and Don't be afraid! Trust the process! Do what it takes to clear all your fears and stay in shape! You are going to need that endurance! Giving birth to my son was the most amazing thing I have ever done, nothing even comes close! it will be the most incredible journey of your life if you let it be :)The Lord has not given us a spirit of fear, but of Power, Love, and Sound Mind :)
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
I did a lot of movement! That's what worked for me. Finding that rhythm. I would squat up and down over and over through a contraction. Or lean over something and sway my hips back and forth back and forth. I liked being in the tub too for periods of time. I probably tried every position in the book! When things got really intense (when I hit about 8 cms) I focused a lot on breathing I would make the horse noise exhaling through closed, loose lips.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
All fours! :) that's another thing that surprised me! I thought I would birth in the tub but my body just needed to move more than the tub allowed! It ended up being the best position for me! (No tearing!)
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
There are no words. Just shock and awe. It's so incredible your mind can't almost take it all in. You are so relieved to finally, finally be holding your baby and you are so overwhelmed at the same time with how much you love them already!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Pray and Don't be afraid! Trust the process! Do what it takes to clear all your fears and stay in shape! You are going to need that endurance! Giving birth to my son was the most amazing thing I have ever done, nothing even comes close! it will be the most incredible journey of your life if you let it be :)The Lord has not given us a spirit of fear, but of Power, Love, and Sound Mind :)
