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When did you realize you were really in labor?
My husband and I went on a long walk and when we returned my hips were on fire! I took a quick nap and when I woke up I felt the need to use the bathroom but nothing was happening... After a few trips of the same feeling I realized they were contractions and I was soooo excited!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Honestly I had a pretty awesome labor and birth experience, the most challenging part out of the whole thing for me was when my baby girl was crowning the rest was totally manageable.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I educated myself! I read a lot and your weekly texts with info were so very helpful. The book Active Birth was very informative and prepared me for the birth I wanted. I had a natural water birth!
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What surprised you about your birth?
I was truly surprised at how well I handled the pain, I feel that I truly prepared myself to the best of my ability and all the tips and information I learned I applied. It was an amazing experience! Thankfully my birth plan went perfectly and I feel very blessed to say so.
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Educate yourself! Know that you can do this! Women have been doing it this way for years, our bodies are made to give birth to life. Trust your body and trust yourself. Having a positive mindset and a good support system will get you through it. You can do it!! My baby was so alert and I was actively moving around and felt great after birth. The feeling that my baby didn't have any drugs running through her made it all so worth it.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
For the contractions, breathing through each surge was extremely helpful, deep breathing, I was very focused on getting through the one minute of pain knowing that I would have five minutes of relief, my contractions were coming every 5 minutes lasting 1 minute. Being in the water was amazing!! The contractions were 10 times more manageable for me. The warm water felt great!
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I ended up delivering in a squatting position in the tub.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It felt AMAZING and surreal to hold my baby!! I was so thankful that everything was over and I was finally holding my sweet baby girl! No better feeling!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Educate yourself! Know that you can do this! Women have been doing it this way for years, our bodies are made to give birth to life. Trust your body and trust yourself. Having a positive mindset and a good support system will get you through it. You can do it!! My baby was so alert and I was actively moving around and felt great after birth. The feeling that my baby didn't have any drugs running through her made it all so worth it.
