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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I woke up to the feeling of my stomach tightening and I knew then that this was a different feeling. It wasn't painful, but I thought to myself that this had to be the start of early labor.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Remembering to breathe, even when the contractions intensified.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Prepared my mind and believed in myself. I constantly told myself to throughout pregnancy that I was going to have a natural birthing experience. When the time came, I was already mentally prepared for it.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How relatively simple it was to push her out. The contractions up until time to push were so intense that they took over my body, but once it was time to push the intensity subsided. That was surprising. L
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It's all in your mind. If you think you can do it then you will most likely be able to do it. Focus on the contractions as they come. You can only handle them one at a time.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Focused breathing as the contractions came along.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I started out on the squat bar but ended up on my back.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It was a relief. I was so happy that she was finally here because pregnancy was a long journey.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
It's all in your mind. If you think you can do it then you will most likely be able to do it. Focus on the contractions as they come. You can only handle them one at a time.
