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When did you realize you were really in labor?
When my pain continued coming every 5 minutes I knew we were making progress.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Going well past my due date and feeling pressure from my team of midwives to schedule an induction. They were concerned that there could be complications if I got too close to 42 weeks.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Hired a doula. I couldn't have done a natural childbirth without her.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How much better I felt going natural. The pain was intense at times but I was amazed at how in tune I was with my body. I was also amazed at how much better I felt after a birth without any interventions or pain medication. Recovery has been so much easier than with my first birth where I was induced.
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Trust your body. We are made to do this. You are so much stronger than you may think.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Counter pressure from my doula and being able to walk and move around during labor.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Partial squatting position and then on the final couple of pushes I laid down on my back.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Amazing!! We had waited so long past her due date and we were so excited to finally hold her. It was a rush of laughter, tears, and relief. I wouldn't trade it for the world.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Trust your body. We are made to do this. You are so much stronger than you may think.
