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When did you realize you were really in labor?
A contraction woke up me at 1am. I knew I was in labor right away because I had been nauseous the night before and it was 3 days before my due date.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging thing for me was having the confidence that I could do it. My first birth was natural but it was unplanned and a very quick 3 hour labor. I knew I wanted to intentionally go natural this time but it took a while for my head to get in the right place.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Several things helped-reading positive birth stories and affirmations, doing squats, and hiring a doula!
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What surprised you about your birth?
I didn't tear even though I did with my first. I think it was a combination of not delivering on my back and having an amazing nurse who coached me through pushing so the baby wouldn't come out too fast.
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You are much stronger than you think you are. My son's birth was an unplanned natural birth, so I let fear take over and was fighting the pain. This time I was mentally prepared and was honestly in a place of peace during each contraction. Keep your mind strong and you can do anything.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Breathing and visualizing my baby.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On my side with one leg on the birth bar.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Amazing! There's nothing like the relief of labor being over and meeting your baby.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
You are much stronger than you think you are. My son's birth was an unplanned natural birth, so I let fear take over and was fighting the pain. This time I was mentally prepared and was honestly in a place of peace during each contraction. Keep your mind strong and you can do anything.
