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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I realized I was in labor after I convinced myself it was indeed my water that broke and not me peeing my pants. I had to call my mom and explain that I wasn't sure if it was pee or my water breaking. We came to the conclusion that it was probably my water and it turned out that was exactly it and I was 3cm when I arrived at the hospital.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging thing about going natural was that I could find no true comfort. I remember asking my midwife over and over again what I could do to be comfortable and she bluntly said "you won't be comfortable until it's over."
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Educating myself, watching documentaries, attending centering pregnancy, and reading positive birth stories helped prepare me for childbirth. I was ready and very excited to experience labor which might seem odd but that's actually how I felt.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I think everything was a surprise for me because this was my first time experiencing childbirth. I was surprised at how my contractions never became closer than eight minutes apart. That's probably the most surprising thing. Also, the fact that once he was born I was really surprised that I had actually given birth.
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Go for it! Educate yourself and keep a positive mindset because you CAN do it. There will be people who think you're crazy but who cares what they think. It's your body and you were made to do this!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Walking, a lot of praying, sitting on an exercise ball, soaking in the tub, and even sitting on the toilet were all really great pain relief strategies for me.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I spent most of active labor on my side with one leg propped up on a bar but ended up on my back in an elevated position for the delivery. I had all intentions of giving birth in a squatting position but by this point I was too exhausted to do that.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It took me a second to come to the realization that I had just given birth because I think I might have been in shock but also a little relieved that the hard work was over with. After a minute of him being on my chest all the emotions kind of just flooded in. There's really no way to put it in words. It's an out of body experience!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Go for it! Educate yourself and keep a positive mindset because you CAN do it. There will be people who think you're crazy but who cares what they think. It's your body and you were made to do this!
