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When did you realize you were really in labor?
Around 7am the day of her birth when the pain was something I truly had to face.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Teaching myself how to work through a contraction. It took me about 5 hours but I figured it out eventually.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I focused on mental preparation more than anything. I felt that if my mind was strong then my body would follow suit. To do this I memorized a particular Bible verse that I repeated to myself numerous times during labor. I also picked one song that I played over and over. I'm a very visual person so I made an "inspiration board" to look at during labor. The board had pictures and quotes that were special to me during my pregnancy. Ex: baby's ultrasound photo, a maternity picture, the picture my husband and I took when we first found out we were pregnant. I also hung her 1st outfit up to be in view while I while laboring.
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What surprised you about your birth?
The length and difficulty. I had contractions an entire day before I went into actual labor so it felt as though I was in labor for two full days although the really hard contractions didn't fully kick in until the 2nd day. The difficulty surprised me in that I wasn't expecting my daughter to be a "military presentation". It prolonged everything. I kept feeling like I was getting close to the end only to realize that I had many hours to go...
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Do your research so that you are confident that there is no other way but natural. If there is any doubt in your mind those doubts will be magnified during labor. Focus, focus, focus on the birth you want!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Focusing the pain downward through breathing techniques. I felt like I was physically pushing the pain to a useful place.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I was in a standing squat with my husband supporting me.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Indescribable elation combined with immense relief and the purest form of love. Victorious!!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Do your research so that you are confident that there is no other way but natural. If there is any doubt in your mind those doubts will be magnified during labor. Focus, focus, focus on the birth you want!
