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When did you realize you were really in labor?
Around 6:00 am Sunday morning. I woke up around 3:00 am and was feeling a little sick and had some pains but around 6 am I started to feel contractions and started timing them.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The exhaustion! You are not sleeping towards the end of your pregnancy and I didn't sleep well the night before I went into labor. The exhaustion definitely gets to you and you really have to work to get thru it.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I read a lot- books, blogs and watched YouTube videos of natural births. I talked to a lot of people and we hired a Doula. I recommend a Doula to anyone- natural or not! She was amazing and I don't think my husband and I could not have done it without her.
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What surprised you about your birth?
Well that we had a girl! We didn't know what we were having so when she came out it was such a surprise- we really thought boy.
Also that I was able to stick to my plan- I had many people that didn't think I could go natural. But I was determined and really felt prepared and had a great team to help me with decisions.
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AMAZING! It is so true what everyone says- the love you feel for your child is a love you have never experienced. I mean it was such a miracle to see her and smell her and know that we created this beautiful person.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
I walked around a lot, was on the exercise ball and got into the shower. They were they best strategies.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I ended up delivering in the bed on my back.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
AMAZING! It is so true what everyone says- the love you feel for your child is a love you have never experienced. I mean it was such a miracle to see her and smell her and know that we created this beautiful person.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Educate yourself! Hire a Doula! And don't be discouraged by other people thinking you are nuts for wanting to go natural. It is amazing and our bodies are meant to do this.
