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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I had been having contractions for most of the day on Friday and by 10pm the contractions started getting more intense and closer together. Wasn't long after that that I reached 12 contractions in an hour and I told my husband it was time to head to the hospital!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging part for me was actually committing myself to sticking with a natural birth plan. I was afraid to commit and afraid I would let myself down.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Research! My husband and I researched everything. Which ultimately lead us to Mama Natural. I'm not sure I would have been able to stick to my plan without having all the information I gained through this course.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I think I was most surprised by how my body was so naturally and instinctively responsive to labor; and how well I felt afterwards!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
During the worst contractions I would close my eyes and just embrace the pain I was feeling and remind myself that it would soon be over and be worth everything once my baby was born. Also, my husband did a great job of encouraging me through every contraction, I could've have done it without him!
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I started pushing positioned on all fours, then transitioned to squatting, and ultimately delivered on my back. I hadn't originally wanted to deliver in that position but it was actually very comfortable for me and being able to use a mirror and see her crowing and actually being born really took my mind off of the pain.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
So incredible! I instantly felt a rush of emotions when I could see her crowing. The when she was placed in my arms I just remember feeling so grateful for a healthy baby.
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How did the Mama Natural Birth Class help you in your childbirth?
This class really helped my husband and I prepare and equip ourselves with everything that we would need to have a successful natural hospital birth. I felt we were well informed and could handle any challenge that came our way!
