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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I realized I was in labor after timing my contractions. I woke up at 6:30 am and found they were lasting one minute every five minutes.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging thing about going natural was the fact that I felt so much pain. When it came to pushing I was already so tired from coping with the pain that it took me two hours of pushing to get my baby out!
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
The most helpful thing my husband and I did to prepare for childbirth was take Bradley Method classes. We couldn't have been so calm, focused, and determined without them! Our instructor was awesome and if it wasn't for her help we'd be stuck with a hospital childbirth class.
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What surprised you about your birth?
That I pushed our big, healthy baby out! It felt so impossible after 16 hours of labor, but I did it! Having the help of my husband and doula did wonders to my motivation in the last push.
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The pain, pushing, and all the work I did was worth it.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Relaxing, moving in different positions, and breathing helped me manage through the pain. One nurse called me "Darth Vader" after hearing my breathing in triage which I thought was hilarious, but proud at the same time haha. It was working for me so I kept it up.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
The position I was in while delivering involved me holding my legs back while they were bent and I was leaning back in bed. I'm not sure of the correct term.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It was crazy to know that I was actually holding my baby after all of that. The pain, pushing, and all the work I did was worth it.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
If you want to experience a natural birth, take a childbirth class that you feel best fits what you envision for your birth, find strong support, and believe in yourself! I did all of these things and I believe that's what got me to have a successful birth. Also, relax! You don't know exactly what to expect so enjoy the time before to lay back and soak in all the sleep you can!
