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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I didn't realize I was really in labor until I tried to leave the house and became really emotional and had a strong feeling to be home, my contractions were painful but I wasn't sure they were real because I had 'practice labor' a couple times before then.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging thing about going natural was probably transition but by the time I was in transition I knew the end was near and I would get to see my baby girl soon!
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
The most helpful thing I did to prepare was a couple different things actually. I read an Ina May book and that took away the fears I had surrounding childbirth, I watched many hypnobirths online, I organized and gathered all my birth supplies weeks in advanced so I felt prepared, I saw a chiropractor often, I had one of my best friends as a doula so I got to talk to her often and also having a calm and stress free mindset really helped me.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I didn't get to be in the pool for very long, the baby's shoulders were stuck so I had to stand up so that gravity could help her.
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Believe in the power of your body, take care of yourself, we were made for this!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
My husband and my doula friend would help me through each contraction, they would run my back, rub my shoulders, push on my hips and hold me up.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I was standing, kind of squatted down.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It felt emotional, I felt like I was in a dream!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Believe in the power of your body, take care of yourself, we were made for this!
