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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I woke up that morning with contractions and thought they could possibly be Braxton Hicks. As the morning progressed and I continued to stay busy, the contractions did not disappear and I knew it was the big day!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Since this was my second birth, I knew what to expect. My first labor was long, challenging, and difficult, but it taught me a lot about myself. This second go round, I did everything I could to prep my mind and body for it.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
For me, it was letting go of all the fear and negativity I had surrounding my first labor. It was so important that I put that in the past so I could allow myself to have a completely new experience that wasn't dictated by my past experience.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How quickly it went by! I labored at home the majority of the time and kept myself busy by cleaning the house and doing laundry. When we got to the birth center my midwife checked me and said I was 4-5 cm dilated. I was a little disappointed because I thought it was going to take quite a while longer, but I gave birth within 2 hours of arriving there!
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Don't let other experiences affect yours. Your birth experience will only be singular to you. You know yourself best and know exactly what you need to get through it. Your mind is powerful and you are strong. You CAN do it!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
I tried cleansing breathes and did lots of moaning. Vocalizing how I felt helped me a lot.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I labored in the tub and wanted to birth in there as well, but I just couldn't get any leverage for pushing while in the water. I ended up on my back in the bed.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Amazing! I was so happy that I had a completely different experience from my first. It was positive and while not all of it was easy, it has always been worth it.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Don't let other experiences affect yours. Your birth experience will only be singular to you. You know yourself best and know exactly what you need to get through it. Your mind is powerful and you are strong. You CAN do it!
