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When did you realize you were really in labor?
11 on Saturday night my contractions were consistent and did not stop even with frequent movements and change of position.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Transition, it lasted almost an hour and a half with contractions peaking one on top of the other. I was shaking and having a very difficult time staying relaxed.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Exercising every day and proper nutrition while pregnant definitely made my body stronger. My husband and I enrolled in Bradley Method classes and that helped him and me be more calm when we ended up having an unplanned home birth.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I was planning to deliver at the hospital, but my labor went so quickly I ended up having my daughter at home, with my husband delivering her.
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Trust your body, it was created for this. You can do it, and your body's recovery will thank you later for laboring with as few interventions as possible.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Low moaning through the hardest contractions helped my mindset that I needed to stay calm and relaxed.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I delivered her while on my hands and knees.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
A rush of joy and pride that I could actually have a baby completely naturally, and thankfulness that labor was over.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Trust your body, it was created for this. You can do it, and your body's recovery will thank you later for laboring with as few interventions as possible.
