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When did you realize you were really in labor?
After a busy day of errands and work, my husband, son, and I decided to take a walk to the park. When we got there I started having contractions and told my husband he might want to get the car. He thought I was joking but when he realized I was serious he took off running!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I had an epidural with my first son but I didn't get it until I was already 10cm (they didn't check me before doing it.). So I had experienced pretty much all of labor with him. I was very unsure of the pushing and birth stage for this baby because it was something I hadn't experienced.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I switched from my OB to a midwife. This switch was by far the best decision! I also got together with a friend who had natural births with midwives before. She and I would talk about everything from how to deal with labor discomfort to what the pushing stage is like. She was very encouraging and gave me confidence that I could achieve a natural birth! I also read a ton of natural birth books and read the spinning babies site daily!
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What surprised you about your birth?
The biggest surprise was how quickly it all progressed! I went into labor at 4:30 pm and delivered my beautiful, healthy baby boy at 6:52 pm. I didn't even get my shoes off in the hospital!
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The whole experience was so empowering! Holding this little person that I carried in my body for so long and seeing how perfect he was just overwhelmed me!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Walking and allowing my body to do its thing worked best for me in dealing with the pain. It's amazing how your body knows exactly what to do!
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I delivered my son on my knees holding the head of the hospital bed.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
The whole experience was so empowering! Holding this little person that I carried in my body for so long and seeing how perfect he was just overwhelmed me!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Your body knows what to do! prepare before hand with books and ask questions to a friend that has done it before!
