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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I didn't for a long time! I was thinking early labour was just Braxton Hicks! In hindsight, they were uncomfortable but I knew I could handle them as I was comparing them to having cramps over several days when I have my period and these only lasted for a short time and went away. Well, those are contractions! It wasn't until I had to get up and walk around during the contraction that I really knew it was game time.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging thing was thinking that active labour was still just early labour and that I could be in that condition for several more hours, maybe days until things really got going. If only I knew I was progressing a lot faster than I planned for my first birth.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I set my expectations. I planned on being in labour for a long time if that's what my body needed. I didn't want to think my body was failing if I didn't get to 10 cms quickly.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How fast things progressed! Our bodies are incredible!
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You can do it! Our bodies help us to do it and with support any one can. I would read as many birth stories as you can, educate yourself on the process so you understand what is happening and HIRE A DOULA! A doula is worth her weight in gold and then some. Her touch grounded me, her voice soothed me and her experience reassured me. The feeling that my body could do this incredible thing without any interventions is priceless.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Breathing. Concentrating with each contraction and "catching" it before it got out of hand.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Hands and knees
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
A-MAZ-ING! Nothing can describe that feeling.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
You can do it! Our bodies help us to do it and with support any one can. I would read as many birth stories as you can, educate yourself on the process so you understand what is happening and HIRE A DOULA! A doula is worth her weight in gold and then some. Her touch grounded me, her voice soothed me and her experience reassured me. The feeling that my body could do this incredible thing without any interventions is priceless.