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When did you realize you were really in labor?
When the hospital staff told me I was 7cm dilated! I was expecting contractions to be obvious but only felt back pain.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Fear of pain (the fear was worse than the actual pain)
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I stayed active through my entire pregnancy so my body was prepared for the task. I also did perineal massage in the weeks leading up to delivery.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How quick it was! From the first sign of back pain to delivery was 3 hours. Also that my mind and body knew what to do to handle the situation when nothing went according to plan.
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Trust your body!! It knows what it's doing. Our bodies were made to birth babies, and you really will forget the pain very quickly.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
My labor was all in my back, so standing and leaning over the bed was the only position that felt right. During contractions, my husband applied pressure to my lower back along with a heating pad.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Laying on my back, holding my own legs (it gave me leverage and I liked being in control). I had intended to squat with support from a bar, but contractions came too quickly to change positions.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Relief! And a huge rush of adrenaline.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Trust your body!! It knows what it's doing. Our bodies were made to birth babies, and you really will forget the pain very quickly.
