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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I realized I was in labor about an hour and 15 minutes before giving birth! In hindsight, I realize that I was in early labor for almost 24 hours, but the contractions were really gentle, and I thought they were just Braxton Hicks.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging part about going natural was just realizing once things got intense, that this was it- it was all me, and I had to figure out how to cope and get through it. I had great support from my husband and doula, but in the end, you’re the one birthing your baby! That was both empowering and a little nerve-wracking for me.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
The most helpful things that I did to prepare were hypnobirthing, prenatal yoga, and chiropractic care. I think these three things are the reason that my birth was so quick.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How fast everything happened! Also, I was worried about pushing, because I pushed for an hour and a half with my first son. This time baby was out in 3 pushes!
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Literal heaven. The feelings of love for your baby and pride from what you accomplished are priceless!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Hypnobirthing was really helpful for me. The breathing techniques that I learned through that class were great during labor.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I was determined to birth on all fours, but actually ended up delivering on my back.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Literal heaven. The feelings of love for your baby and pride from what you accomplished are priceless!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Make sure to start preparing early in your pregnancy. Treat it like a test you have to study for or a marathon that you need to train for. You wouldn’t show up to a marathon with no training!
