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When did you realize you were really in labor?
About 5 hrs before I gave birth. I was actually trying to go to sleep and got up to sit on the toilet to pee because the contractions were getting stronger and I threw up. Then I realized oh wow, this is really it!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The baby crowning and the hemorrhoids after, but I'd take any part of birth over the hemorrhoids after.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Read, read, and read some more! And attend a birthing class.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How quick it went once I realized what was happening.
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Do it! It's hard, it's not painless, and it can be overwhelming at times but it was so worth it! It was worth it through everything! Going through all of that not only shows you how incredibly strong you are but it's an incredible thing to share with your partner and the baby you're pushing out. Like a right of passage or something, haha!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Water birth! The water was incredibly soothing and the warm water running over my belly during contractions helped tremendously! And breathing, but it's hard to breath when the dilation contractions are going.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Squatting
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Surreal, very surreal
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Do it! It's hard, it's not painless, and it can be overwhelming at times but it was so worth it! It was worth it through everything! Going through all of that not only shows you how incredibly strong you are but it's an incredible thing to share with your partner and the baby you're pushing out. Like a right of passage or something, haha!
