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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I realized I was really in labor when I started to have contractions at 2:00 AM. I wasn't in active labor until many hours later but I knew the real thing had started. It was the day after my due date and I knew it could be any day now.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging thing about going natural was the discomfort of the contractions as they got closer together and more intense. I used breathing, warm shower and bath, and changing positions to help with the discomfort but it was still unpleasant.
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marr-31
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
The most helpful thing I did to prepare for labor was to educate myself about the birthing process. I read books, like Ina May's Guide to Childbirth, and took an online birth class. I felt that learning as much as I could about what would or could happen helped me to have less fear about giving birth. I also listened to scripture based birth affirmations and prayed a lot.
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What surprised you about your birth?
The part about my birth that surprised me was how quickly it was over. My labor was long and I pushed for about 45 minutes but once the end finally came, it was over in a second. The discomfort and pain of labor and delivery were over in an instant and everything I went through seemed like a distant memory after I was holding my baby on my chest.
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Believe what God says about you and believe that He will not leave your side through it all, no matter what happens. Your body was designed for this and you have the strength to do it!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Some pain relief strategies that worked for me were breathing, taking a warm shower and bath, and moving my body, like rocking back and forth. Focusing on my breaths was very helpful because it distracted me. The key was to do something that would distract me from the discomfort. And to pray and remind myself that the pain wouldn't last forever and that I was made to be able to give birth and I could do it.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
The position I ended up delivering in was on my back. My back was elevated by the bed and pillows. I pushed for a while on my side and on my hands and knees with my arms on the top of the bed. When it was time for the final pushes, I was on my back with my husband by my side. I didn't tear at all, so that position worked out well for me.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Holding my son for the first time was amazing. I had been dreaming of that moment for so long; it almost seemed unreal when it was finally happening. It was a big relief to rest and hold him against my chest. I felt a peace and joy in my heart that I had never felt before.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
I would advise other mamas who want to go natural to learn as much as they can about natural childbirth, by reading and taking a childbirth course. Most people fear the unknown so knowing what to expect can help you face your fears. Also, believe what God says about you and believe that He will not leave your side through it all, no matter what happens. Your body was designed for this and you have the strength to do it!
