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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I woke up with contractions at 5 am, but had been having false labor for days. By 10 that morning I knew they were the real thing!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Believing I could do it. My first two births were induced/augmented with pitocin and I couldn't deal with those contractions without an epidural. So I really didn't know if I'd be able to cope with labor without drugs.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I read a LOT of natural birth stories, ways to cope, and hired a doula. That was the thing that saved the entire experience for me!
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What surprised you about your birth?
How easy it actually turned out to be. I labored at home until my doula thought I was in transition. At the hospital, I was 9cm and my daughter was born 45 minutes after we arrived. The drive to the hospital was the hardest part!
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You CAN do it! Educate yourself, prepare mentally, and how a doula. You won't regret it!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
My doula applied counter pressure on my back and even though I wasn't having back labor, it felt wonderful and helped me get through the most challenging contractions.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On my knees, facing the back of the hospital bed.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Amazing! All those months of pregnancy and hours of labor and finally she was here! It was the best feeling!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
You CAN do it! Educate yourself, prepare mentally, and how a doula. You won't regret it!
