Reading Lots of Books About Natural Childbirth, Hypnobirthing and Doing Some Visualizations Helped Eliza During Her Hospital Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I was scheduled for induction and got up early that morning for an hour long drive to the hospital and contractions had already started.
What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

I have had an epidural with all my babies so going natural with this one was pushing through the pain.
What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?

Read lots of books about natural childbirth, hypnobirthing (meditation)
I also did some visualizations about what I wanted my birth to look like.
What surprised you about your birth?

How quickly I was able to get up and go to the bathroom and I was discharged before noon the next day!
It's worth all the hard work! I wish I knew what I know now about natural birth, I would have tried it sooner...
What pain relief strategies worked best?

Having my husband there stroking my hair and using a soft voice to keep me going.
What position did you end up delivering in?

On my back
How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?

She was the best reward for all that hard work. I was elated!
What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?

It's worth all the hard work! I wish I knew what I know now about natural birth, I would have tried it sooner...

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