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When did you realize you were really in labor?
When the contractions were roughly 3 minutes apart and I had some bloody show.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The pain! Ha! I wasn't planning on going natural...but, things progressed so quickly and my blood pressure kept dropping really low so I couldn't get the epidural.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Breathing! I found that making noise/moaning when I exhaled helped me to keep a steady breathing pattern and not hyperventilate (which I did with my first birth and ended up having an epidural). Another thing that helped me was knowing that God created my body to do this! The pain that I was experiencing was completely normal...it's a pain that isn't bad and will bring your beautiful baby into the world! If you accept then pain and think of it as a "good pain" and not a "bad pain", and try to work with your body and not against it, things will go much smoother!
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What surprised you about your birth?
Transition. I remember praying, asking God to make the contractions just a little further apart because I couldn't handle it any more. Then all of a sudden I had tons of pressure and was 9.5 centimeters when the nurse checked me. I pushed for only 6 minutes. Pushing is SO much better than contractions. For all of you that are scared for the pushing part....don't be! I was terrified and was pleasantly surprised that when you push with your contractions the pain of the contraction is much less. You can totally do it!
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God created your body to do this. Don't be afraid! The pain isn't a bad thing...it will bring your little one into your arms! God is with you and will bring you through! You can do it because you were MADE to do this!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Breathing at a normal pace and making noise and moaning when I exhaled. Also moving! I can't sit still when I'm in pain...so it isn't really a strategy for me...but more of a reaction Haha
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Laying down on my back.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
I was so relieved that the pain was gone and that he was finally here! It's the most surreal feeling in the world to hold your baby for the first time. There's such an amazing feeling of love that sweeps over you!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
God created your body to do this. Don't be afraid! The pain isn't a bad thing...it will bring your little one into your arms! Read all that you can about birth and even watch birthing videos. I didn't have a doula but hiring one would be beneficial...so I would really consider spending the money on that! Lastly, pray. God is with you and will bring you through! You can do it because you were MADE to do this!
