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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I was having contractions every 10 min or so then all of a sudden they were 2-3 min apart so we decided to head to the hospital. In the 1 hour car ride to the hospital contractions spaced out again and by the time we got to the parking lot they were anywhere from 5-12 min apart. I walked in the parking lot for an hour before going in but i truly did not think i was in very active labor. I was super frustrated and wanted to go back home. I would say I truly didn't think i was in real labor until after I used the breast pump and within 5 minutes my water broke!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging thing this delivery about going natural was just keeping mentally focused.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
The most helpful thing for me to prepare for childbirth was to read birth stories and watch birth videos from other natural mommas!
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What surprised you about your birth?
With my previous labor, my water did not break until i started pushing, so the one thing that surprised me was how much more intense the contractions were with my water being broken at 7-8cm.
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Prepare yourself mentally and a lot of positive self talk in those hard moments!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Deep breathing.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
In the bed, on my back, holding my legs up. ( While I was pushing, I kept saying I wanted to get up and squat but i just couldn't physically do it!)
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Wonderful, words can't even explain the feeling!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Prepare yourself mentally and a lot of positive self talk in those hard moments!
