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When did you realize you were really in labor?
After two days of early, irregular labor, I went to the chiropractor. As soon as I arrived I had a contraction that I had to focus through. After about a half an hour after contractions three mins apart and a conversation with my doula where she told me that she was coming, I accepted it. I didn't have much time to think about it though because of how fast and intense my labor came on.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
This was my second natural birth, but I think the fear of the unknown and the unpredictability of birth makes it difficult. Making sure you have yourself in the right mindset that you CAN and that it (the pain) isn't bigger than you because it IS you is how I managed.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Mental preparation!!! I kept reaffirming to myself that my body knew how to do this and that even with two days of early labor, it was all going to be part of Eisen's birth story.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How FAST it was!! After active labor FINALLY kicked in, it was less than 2.5 hours. My fastest, most intense birth.
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You CAN. Really, you can. Trust your GUT above all else, and do not be afraid. You were made to be your sweet baby's mama. ❤️️
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
I spent a large part of active labor at home. We have a picnic table out back so my other little boys played while I bent over at the waist, propping my arms on the picnic table and swaying my hips while I breathed through my contractions.
Once I got to the birthing center portion of the hospital, I labored in the tub during transition on my knees and holding my husbands hands.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I delivered on all fours. It's most natural for me. I literally cannot stand being on my back in labor.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It's always surreal. You spend so long being pregnant that it just takes so long to believe this is happening... I remember thinking, "is he really mine? Did I really just have a baby?" My contractions delivering the placenta were still intense so I gave daddy his boy so they could snuggle while I delivered the placenta.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
You CAN. Really, you can. Trust your GUT above all else, and do not be afraid. You were made to be your sweet baby's mama. ❤️️
