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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I had been having contractions the weekend before Maria was born. It wasn't until early Tuesday morning, however, that I realized the intense contractions meant Maria was entering the world soon.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
With this being my first birth and not knowing what to expect, the contractions were more intense then giving birth! I started having mild contractions Friday night after I lost the mucus plug, and the contractions got gradually more intense as the weekend went on. I could hardly sleep Sunday night and Monday night, and I thought if these were only contractions then how could I handle pushing a baby?!
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I kept reminding myself that my body was made to give birth, and my husband also helped by reminding me that the pain of the contractions only lasts a little while but the end prize was finally getting to hold our baby.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I had thought that pushing would be more painful, due to the portrayal of giving birth on tv shows and in movies, but pushing and giving birth was less painful then the contractions!
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Believe in your amazing body! Women are made to give birth, and remember, the pain lasts but a moment compared to the reward of holding your baby close forever!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Taking a hot bath at home to help relieve the pain of the contractions.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I had a water birth
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It was such a rush of oxytocin! Maria cried right off the bat and getting to hold her in my arms to soothe her was amazing!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Believe in your amazing body! Women are made to give birth, and remember, the pain lasts but a moment compared to the reward of holding your baby close forever!
