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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I woke up at about 6am with light cramping.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Eloise was my second natural birth so I knew what I had ahead of me. My labor was quicker and contractions were different. Once my water broke she was born about 20 minutes later. I was still at home when my water broke and contractions intensified immediately. The hospital is about 15 minutes from my house. She was crowning while I was in the back seat of the car- mentally preparing to deliver her there! Luckily she went back in just long enough for nurses to get me into a wheel chair and to a bed. I delivered on my hands and knees. The hardest part was making the choice to push when I felt the "ring of fire." I really had to focus and remind myself that this one last bit of pain was worth it so she could be born.
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Ella-nb
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
With both of my births I listened to hynobirthing recordings before bed most nights. I stayed active and walked as much as possible (this can be tough in Michigan winters). I don't think I would have been able to do it naturally if I wouldn't have made the decision to go without medication and focus on what my goal was. Mantras and talking myself through the contractions helped me focus. I didn't listen or pay attention to what was going on around me and found that being able to rely on my own inner coach is what really helped me in the end. I used the same techniques I do during a tough workout or stressful situation.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How different contractions felt than my first. I didn't think I was as far along as I was because my contractions were close together but felt weaker than they did with my first.
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Think about what helps you get through stressful or difficult situations- these techniques will be easier to use when you are exhausted or feeling like you can't go anymore.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Mantras, shutting out the world and focusing on breathing.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Hands and knees
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Surreal- no less amazing than my first baby
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Invest in a thorough birth class. Be clear about what you want and don't be afraid to advocate for yourself. Find support if you can but don't be afraid to be your own support if you don't have access to doulas, etc. Think about what helps you get through stressful or difficult situations- these techniques will be easier to use when you are exhausted or feeling like you can't go anymore.
