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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I was having light cramping that got only slightly worse for the 24 hours prior. I felt like things were stalled out so I finally called my doula, and within an hour and a half of her arriving and wrapping my belly, it was time to go to the birth center! I had my daughter (my second baby) four and a half hours after that.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging thing about labor was keeping my mental focus, especially during transition. Keeping my mind on top of the contractions is a must for me to get through the pain, but transition makes this difficult because the contractions come so rapidly...Keep your eye on the prize, which is getting to have and hold your sweet baby!
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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 make sure I had a doula present. Doulas make the whole process much easier by encouraging you, talking you through each stage of labor, and making sure you have everything you need. Make sure you get yourself a doula, especially if it's your first birth!
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What surprised you about your birth?
The thing that surprised me about childbirth was how addicting it can be once it's all over. After all that hard work, nothing can prepare you for the rush of wonderful feelings and emotions you feel when your precious baby is finally placed on your stomach. I was ready to do it all over again right away!
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You CAN do it! Women have been doing this naturally for thousands of years, whereas pain medication has only been used for about the last 160 years. Childbirth is a natural and normal process. Trust your body to do what it was made to do. No matter what anyone says, if I can do it, you can do it!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
To relieve pain, I found it very helpful to walk during contractions, or to at least stand and sway while leaning against a wall or person.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I ended up delivering on my back in the bed. This was my second birth, so it all happened much faster and easier than the first.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It felt amazing to hold my baby for the first time! First of all, the pain is gone immediately after your baby comes out. Just knowing that all your hard work has paid off, that you made this little being, and of course your baby is the most beautiful baby who ever lived...It's a very heartwarming experience.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
You CAN do it! Women have been doing this naturally for thousands of years, whereas pain medication has only been used for about the last 160 years. Childbirth is a natural and normal process. Trust your body to do what it was made to do. No matter what anyone says, if I can do it, you can do it!
