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When did you realize you were really in labor?
True labor began on September 28 at 4:43 PM. Some of my husband's old friends had stopped by with their kids to look at a trailer we were selling. The contractions were regular and I didn't want them to know I was in labor, for some reason. So I started walking around the yard and ended up going inside before they left, to be alone.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
My doctor pushing interventions and saying horrible things like, "I hope the baby fits coming out".
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New-Spencer-and-Mommy
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I researched natural birth and positive birth stories. I knew what I wanted going in. If I do it again, I'll really know what I want and what I'm willing to put up with and what I'm not.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How vulnerable I felt and how I knew I couldn't show how needy I was.
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Get a doula and make sure you research what you want in almost any situation, as you can't control birth. Discuss every aspect of your birth with your doula and be clear about what you want him/her to do for you while you're in labor.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Counting. I closed my eyes and would picture the numbers floating toward me as I counted.
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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 didn't know what I was supposed to do. Should I try breastfeeding right away? Should I be doing something? My doula suggested that I could just look at and snuggle with him for awhile.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Get a doula and make sure you research what you want in almost any situation, as you can't control birth. Discuss every aspect of your birth with your doula and be clear about what you want him/her to do for you while you're in labor.
