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When did you realize you were really in labor?
2:30am. I went to the bathroom because I had to pee, but really it was my water slowly breaking! I also had medium contractions that were 5 minutes so I woke up my husband and mom and texted our midwife.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Overcoming my own fear and anxiety, and that was something I had to do throughout the pregnancy.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Eat a plant based diet, drink lots of water (my goal everyday was 3 liters, some days I failed, but my midwife and husband really helped me stay on it), regular exercise, working with a midwife team, prayer and meditation (especially the book Supernatural Childbirth).
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What surprised you about your birth?
That it took 24 hours Lol! But I was only in active labor for less than 2 hours and pushed maybe 4 or 5 times before she came out. I was also surprised that my body knew EXACTLY what position to get in (I ended up delivering her on all 4's on our bed even though we had planned for a water birth). Lastly, I felt that I really did have a supernatural birth. It wasn't painful. It was intense and powerful and even uncomfortable at times, but I wasn't in pain!
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Be committed to having the experience you want to have. Find 1-3 people that can join with you in prayer for that experience (in general, choose wisely who you invite into your journey -- steer clear of negativity).
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
BREATHING. This was something I had to learn to do throughout the pregnancy. Prayer, showering, birthing ball, massage, and resting.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
We started with the birthing stool then went on my hands and knees on our bed
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Stunned!! I was shocked that it was over and stunned at how beautiful and perfect she was
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Be committed to having the experience you want to have. Find 1-3 people that can join with you in prayer for that experience (in general, choose wisely who you invite into your journey -- steer clear of negativity). Find a good birth team/midwife that you 100% trust! Be OK that some people may disagree with your choice. Most of all, know and name your fears before hand so you can spend those 9 months working through them.