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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I realized I was really in labor after I laid down for a 20 minute nap and the contractions continued after I woke up.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging thing about going natural was the intensity of it. I could not stop pushing or take a break once that phase began.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
The most helpful thing I did to prepare for childbirth was to educate myself. I recommend reading as much as you can, I did read many natural inspiring birth stories, watched videos on youtube and even had a couple of mom friends who told me their natural birth stories.
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What surprised you about your birth?
What surprised me the most about my birth was how quickly time seemed to pass by. My labor started around 2pm and he was born at 7:11 pm but it seemed like just the blink of an eye. My midwife arrived at my home 3 minutes before I pushed my son out.
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My advice to other mamas who want to go natural is have faith and confidence in yourself. Your body was designed for giving birth, don't be afraid of the process.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
The pain relief strategy that worked best for me was telling myself that contractions were not my enemy, not to fight them, they had a purpose and were working with my body to get this baby out. And also telling myself no one else could push this baby out but me. I had to do the work.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
The position I ended up delivering in was leaning on my husband while bearing down.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Holding my baby for the first time felt surreal. I was still in a lot of pain from the after pains, tear and before I passed the placenta. It was hard to focus on the infant in my arms. We eventually bonded later.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
My advice to other mamas who want to go natural is have faith and confidence in yourself. Your body was designed for giving birth, don't be afraid of the process.
