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When did you realize you were really in labor?
After having regular but very mild contractions for 14 hours when I could no longer lie down through contractions I knew I was really in labor!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
There was nothing that felt more challenging by going natural. Childbirth is a challenge in itself but I feel that going natural makes it easier!
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Reading positive home birth stories and knowing that my body was made to give birth!
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What surprised you about your birth?
How short active labor was! First painful contraction to delivery was 2 hours! It was significantly shorter than my first labor of 7 hours (also all natural but in a hospital).
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You absolutely can do it. It is a mindset. You make up your mind that you will have a natural, drug free birth well before d-day and in most normal circumstances you will be able to deliver your baby naturally!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Movement! Walking/pacing through contractions until they were so strong that I could only stand still and sway through them.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Hands and knees leaning on an exercise ball.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Surreal. We don't find out gender before delivery and we had a little boy! I could hardly believe it!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
You absolutely can do it. It is a mindset. You make up your mind that you will have a natural, drug free birth well before d-day and in most normal circumstances you will be able to deliver your baby naturally! It is so amazing to be able to feel each step of labor and delivery. It is such a beautiful thing!
