Getting Her 14-Year Old Daughter To Be Her Doula Helped Ashlie During Her Hospital Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

At my appointment at 9AM my doctor checked me & told me I was dilated to FIVE!
What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

Tearing the wrong direction......
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?

Getting my 14 year old daughter to be my doula.
What surprised you about your birth?

I thought I could do it by myself. As this was my 6th baby but I could not have done it this time without my daughter coaching me through the hardest parts.
Take it one contraction at a time. Don't be afraid to listen to your body & embrace every contraction as progress. Another moment closer to meeting your baby.
What pain relief strategies worked best?

Moaning..ohh the moaning. As soon as a hard contraction would come I would remind myself to just get through this one. Then I would get a break.
What position did you end up delivering in?

On my side in the bed. Apparently this is a habit of mine as I am a repeat offender.
How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?

Just thinking about it brings tears of joy to my eyes. Nothing in this world is sweeter & more powerful than holding that brand new person & saying happy birthday.
What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?

Take it one contraction at a time. Don't be afraid to listen to your body & embrace every contraction as progress. Another moment closer to meeting your baby.

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