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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I had been having contractions one and off for a good 24 hours but on the night of the September 16th around 8 my contractions were 3-5 min apart and lasting for a good minute. We went to the hospital to get check and were at a 6!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Pushing! I had always heard this was the easier part compared to transition but man is that "ring of fire" real! My midwife had to keep telling me to just push past that and I would have my baby!
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Reading birth stories from Mama Naturals FB page! I also did Hypnobabies which really helped me labor at home and I ate dates the last 3 weeks of pregnancy! (Would of been 4 but she came a week early ;))
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What surprised you about your birth?
I was surprised at how quickly I progressed! Once I got admitted it was around 2 am they broke my water and baby was here at 3:58 am! I was also surprised that I had pretty intense back labor! Luckily I had my awesome husband and midwife there for all of it applying counter pressure which helped a TON!
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Do it! There is nothing to be scared of sure it's intense but you can do anything for a short amount of time because no one has ever been in labor for forever! Stay focused and don't let fear get in the way of what you want! You've got this Mama!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Deep breathing helped great for earlier contractions, mid way through walking, swaying and the birth ball were great, for transition, the tub filled with hot water and lots and lots of counter pressure not just during contractions was priceless!
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On my side with my husband helping me support my leg! (He was a total trooper I tell you!) Luckily pushing only lasted about 15 minutes!
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Absolutely amazing! It didn't feel real at first that this was the tiny human growing inside me all these months. Looking at my husband in that moment was pretty special too I could just tell how quickly and how in love with her he was!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Do it! There is nothing to be scared of sure it's intense but you can do anything for a short amount of time because no one has ever been in labor for forever! Stay focused and don't let fear get in the way of what you want! You've got this Mama!
