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When did you realize you were really in labor?
After waking up that morning, my contractions were sharp and lasting a full minute - in contrast to the prodromal labor contractions I'd had for weeks which only lasted 30-45 seconds.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Knowing the pain I was going to face, and pressing on anyway. That was tough. I keep to myself and stay in my own head, so to speak, during labor and that's what I kept thinking about - I had hoped for labor to come after days of prodromal labor while thinking at the same time how odd it was to hope for that while knowing the pain that comes with birth.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Eat right, probably. I believe being healthy - and rest - helps tremendously.
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What surprised you about your birth?
Two things: First, that I felt much more in control this time. I paid attention to my body and let it do the work while I relaxed through it all. I always felt like I could never stand up and move through a contraction, but this time I did - and for several contractions! Once I felt baby moving down, I was moving around my room until I was ready to push. That was a first for me.
Second, how big my baby was! He was our fifth, and our biggest so far at 9 pounds 6 ounces.
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You can do it! Read, read, read. You ARE strong enough. Yes, the pain is real, but it doesn't last forever and it's something you can totally manage. I'm no superhero.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
I relax and breathe through each contraction while my husband rolls a tennis ball on my back for counter pressure. Those things help me the most.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I was laying on my back tilted a little on my left side.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Victorious. It was finally over, and he was finally here!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
You can do it! Read, read, read. You ARE strong enough. Yes, the pain is real, but it doesn't last forever and it's something you can totally manage. I'm no superhero.
