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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I started having what I though we're contractions late at night but they were mild. I told my husband we'd go to bed and wait and see. I was waking up about every hour and trying to sleep in between. After the third time I woke up I knew I was in early labor.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
My body actually. Even though I was first birth I'm pretty in tune with my body. I trusted it to do what it was supposed to. I never felt the urge to push and my contractions spaced out to ten minutes apart. Had I had any other provider I would have been a c section. However, my birth team was amazing and with the help of forceps I was able to birth my little guy vaginally without so much as an IV!
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Educate myself. I watched tons of birth videos, read lots of articles and books. I picked a birth team that was supportive of my choices.
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What surprised you about your birth?
That it was so long and yet I endured. That my husband stepped up so perfectly to help birth our little guy and make us a family.
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You can do it! Know what you want and your rights. It's your birth and you get to make your own choices.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Focusing on breathing and counter pressure.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Laying on my back. Not ideal but I had to this time around.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Rewarding and empowering.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
You can do it! Know what you want and your rights. It's your birth and you get to make your own choices. Go on with an open mind and focus on each singular moment.
