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When did you realize you were really in labor?
Around 1:00am on the day he was born. I had contractions for 5 days so even then I wasn't sure but when I got to the hospital the confirmed that it was time!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Early labor started for me 5 days before baby came and the contractions I had through the week were painful so the hardest part was finding motivation so work through the pain. My body was already so tired and I had not been sleeping much from the pain I had all week.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Mentally: I stayed positive and went into my labor prepared to rock it! I knew from my oldest that the reward is far greater than the pain and that helped so much this time around.
Physically: I did a lot of walking and sitting on a yoga ball my third trimester! I believe that helped!
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What surprised you about your birth?
How fast it all went once I was admitted. It was a long week with the early labor contractions but once they were true labor contractions everything went really fast!
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Have a plan and be prepared that anything can happen! The goal is to get your baby in your arms. Especially the first birth it feels like that will never happen but it will and it is all so worth it.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Breathing and squeezing my husbands hand! He told me after we were done he was surprised by my grip! ;)
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What position did you end up delivering in?
A semi-sitting position!
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It's not a feeling I can describe- definitely love at first site. Both our boys instantly had my husband and I in tears!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Have a plan and be prepared that anything can happen! The goal is to get your baby in your arms. Especially the first birth it feels like that will never happen but it will and it is all so worth it. There is nothing better than meeting your baby for the first time and you will feel so proud of yourself in the end. Giving birth is so empowering because it shows you what you and your body are capable of! It's an amaizing experience and you move on from it so fast!
