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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I began having contractions when I dropped my daughter off at school. About an hour later I realized they seemed consistent and were not Braxton Hicks.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Honestly, nothing was challenging if I’m comparing it to the alternative. I LOVE not having an IV in my arm, etc!
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Finding the way I personally process pain and challenge - one of the most useful ways I found to do this was doing a long wall sit! Also teaching myself physical relaxation techniques like relaxing my mouth through contractions rather than clenching my jaw helped to allow my entire body to do what it needed to.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How quick and smooth labor and delivery really can be and how great I felt afterward!
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Purpose to do it and stick to your choice.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Breathing! Deep, relaxed breathes with my mouth open! And for me counting backwards in small increments helps!
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Lying on my side!
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Amazing, I cried! This was my fourth all natural delivery and it was still as incredible as the first. Being able to hold this precious little being for the first time almost takes my breath away!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Purpose to do it and stick to your choice. Find the way YOU personally deal with a painful/stressful/overwhelming 2 minutes and use that technique!
