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When did you realize you were really in labor?
On December 21 I started having irregular contractions at 11:30p that lasted through the night. I managed to get some sleep but woke up to regular contractions at 5:30a the next morning!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Dilating from 7-10 or transition! And pushing. Unlike many other women I've heard from pushing does not "feel good" to me. But my babies blast through me (first one pushed for 12 minutes, second on pushed for 3... if you can even call that pushing!)
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Prenatal yoga and hiring a labor doula!
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What surprised you about your birth?
Nothing, thankfully.
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Trust yourself and your body and baby's ability to do this hard work. It's the toughest thing you'll ever experience but the rewards (and easier recovery) are well worth it. You're strong and capable!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Breath work, counter pressure from my doula and finding the best posting for my body to labor in.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I was mostly upright on my knees leaning into the hospital bed. I switched to an upright position on my back *right* before he came out to give the OB more clearance (my choice, he would've let me deliver any way I wanted) and so that he could go directly on my chest.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Amazing, gratifying, powerful, emotional, freeing
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Trust yourself and your body and baby's ability to do this hard work. It's the toughest thing you'll ever experience but the rewards (and easier recovery) are well worth it. You're strong and capable!
