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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I had 3 contractions that I definitely couldn't walk through. I knew that was the real thing.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
This was my first natural birth. The most challenging thing was just not knowing exactly what to expect. The labor itself was tiring, but the pushing phase was more intense than I thought. My body wanted that baby out and all the nurses and my dr wanted me to slow down but I couldn't! Lots of yelling. That was definitely unexpected.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Just read enough to convince myself that I could do it. That I could definitely do it. I knew I could, and I did!
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What surprised you about your birth?
How much more intense and raw a natural birth feels than an epidural one. In a mostly good way :)
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It's definitely an experience! You CAN do it. It's hard but if it's important to you and you believe you can, you will!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Staying relaxed and deeply focusing on getting through each contraction. Baby was sunny side up so hands and knees helped. And the nurse told my husband to squeeze my hips, which I thought was weird, but oh my gosh, it helped so much! I don't think I could have done it without that.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Almost hands and knees but my dr had me turn over at the last minute to help baby turn. Baby did turn and I had no trouble!
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Amazing. It always feels like I'm just meeting someone I've known forever.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
It's definitely an experience! You CAN do it. It's hard but if it's important to you and you believe you can, you will!
