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When did you realize you were really in labor?
At about 7:30pm I had been in labor for maybe 2 hours and it stopped being fun. So that's when I knew things were really happening.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Well, it was our birth plan, but it was also just an accident! We didn't make it to the hospital and our baby was born in the front yard. You can't get much more natural than in nature ;)
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I listened to a birth podcast every day. It was educational and empowering!
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What surprised you about your birth?
We definitely thought our first baby would take 24 hours or so to arrive once labor began. But it actually only took 4 hours! I was surprised by how good it felt to push. And by how amazing I felt afterwards. My body surprised me!
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Your body was made for this. You can do it. It's so, so worth it.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Counter pressure was the best. And when I stopped fighting the contractions and let my body surrender to them I think a lot of progress was made. I also loved being on the toilet. It was the best place!
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Standing up... in my front yard.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Ridiculous. Shocking. Great.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Your body was made for this. You can do it. It's so, so worth it.
