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When did you realize you were really in labor?
Around 2 am. I woke up around midnight feeling what I thought were Braxton Hicks, tried a bath to see if they would pass & they only progressed so we knew it was the real deal.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Pushing! I made it through contractions great with breathing & sitting on a birth ball(use this during pregnancy & labor! It was a comfort & lifesaver for me!) I feel like I prepared more for contractions than pushing, but it was so amazing to feel my body naturally push. Not without pain, but amazing;) Thankfully, she was out in less than 20 minutes.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Read read read tips on natural birth! Lots on info on Pinterest. And watching a friend's birth video!
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What surprised you about your birth?
I labored at home from 12 am to 6 am. I was so afraid I would get to the hospital not dilated enough & they would send me home. Surprisingly I was 8 cm when we got there!
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Lord, I trust you. You made my body to do this however it comes about.
I truly believe He strengthened me to have the birth I wanted & gave a little grace in that the process was fast & easier than I expected.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Breathing & rolling on birth ball. During pushing, the nurses poured cool water on me to help with the "ring of fire":)
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What position did you end up delivering in?
In bed on my back. I tried side lying but the doc had me turn on my back.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Amazing of course. And relief. I couldn't believe it!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
If you're a praying woman, pray!:) this was my first baby & I wanted a natural birth badly but wanted to be realistic that I didn't really know what to expect. Toward the end my prayer was- Lord, I trust you. You made my body to do this however it comes about.
I truly believe He strengthened me to have the birth I wanted & gave a little grace in that the process was fast & easier than I expected.
