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When did you realize you were really in labor?
When my water broke at 7 pm
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
It was a 3 1/2 hour labor, and it scared me how fast the pain came on. I didn't realize I was in transition when I arrived at the hospital and freaked out because I thought I had so much further to go.
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newborn
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
-chiropractor since 16 weeks
-dates
-red raspberry leaf tea
-spinning babies
-hiring a doula
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What surprised you about your birth?
When you prepare properly, it goes scary fast, and when you are in the midst of it, you naturally find your inner strength.
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Do your research and put the effort in to doing exercises and eating certain foods during pregnancy. Stay active.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
My doula pressing on my back
Mentally focusing on just getting to the finish line
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On my back. I asked to push on my side, but for most of my delivery, I was only with a resident, and she told me "I had to push on my back". I didn't tear though :)
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Surreal - I was still in shock it happened so fast. Nursing him for the first time though was amazing to gain that bond. I loved seeing his dark black hair like his dad.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Do your research and put the effort in to doing exercises and eating certain foods during pregnancy. Also, stay active. I ran until 36 weeks pregnant. I believe that helped him be very low and pushing was easier. He is now very healthy and active as well.
