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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I woke up at 4:30am with my back hurting. I started having contractions around 4:45am. At 5 am I realized these contractions were finally real! I had had so many Braxton Hicks, it was hard to tell. But finally, I was getting ready to meet my baby!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Honestly- all of the mental preparation before labor. After having 3 prior natural births... I was flooded with memories of how difficult and painful it was. I was struggling with fear. It took months to overcome, right up to labor actually.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Prayer! I had to surrender my fears and my desire to be in control! I had to agree with the truth, that no matter what- God is always with me, He is there to encourage me, comfort me, protect me, and most importantly- overwhelm me with His love. Feeling loved helped me feel safe through the whole process.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How fast it went!!! It was less than 2 hours from first contraction to baby being born!
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Work through all of the emotions that you have prior to birth. Work through fear, and discouragement, control issues, and Any past birth Traumas!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
•Slow deep breaths
•Worship music on and intentionally worshiping through each contraction.
•reminding myself of truth/positive affirmation: I can do this, God is helping me through every second, it only lasts for a short period, I am going to meet my baby soon!
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On my back
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Incredible! I was in awe! And so thankful! Baby was born 7 minutes after arriving at the hospital! I never dreamed everything would be so fast and I would get to hold her so quickly!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Work through all of the emotions that you have prior to birth. Work through fear, and discouragement, control issues, and Any past birth Traumas! Also- learn great breathing techniques!!!! And all of the different positions to labor in!!!
