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When did you realize you were really in labor?
On the way to the hospital, ha! My mother in law and husband kept telling me that I was really in labor but my contractions, although consistent and getting closer together, weren't painful. I wasn't convinced until we were half way to the hospital. That was when I needed to breathe deeply through them to cope.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I was most concerned about not knowing how long I'd be in labor and how long I'd need to push. Would I be able to handle the pain for an undetermined amount of time?
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Reading about breathing techniques, visualizing my ideal birth and being encouraged by other women's birth stories.
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What surprised you about your birth?
That I did it all natural! And that I dilated from 4-10 cm in less than an hour and pushed for less than 3 minutes.
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Focus on baby steps not the whole unknown process. Each win gets you closer to the finale!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Having my husband press really hard on my lower back, laboring in a very warm tub of water and breathing. I focused on each contraction. Breathing through each I counted as a small win.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On my back, legs up in a hospital bed.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Blissful and peaceful.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Focus on baby steps not the whole unknown process. Each win gets you closer to the finale!
