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When did you realize you were really in labor?
My first contraction was around 2am but I went back to sleep. I had dream that I had bloody show and when I woke up at 4:45am still having contractions I went to the bathroom and had some bloody show. Crazy!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging thing for me was not knowing - how and when it would start, how long it would last, how intense it would be. But I guess you could have that with any type of birth.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
My husband and I took a Bradley Method class and it really prepared both of us. I also read a lot of positive birth stories. I found the more information I had the more confident I felt that my body and baby knew what to do and I just needed to stay calm and relaxed and listen to my body.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I didn't have a clear transition and never felt like I couldn't handle the pain. It was intense at times but I had a great experience and everything went the way we hoped!
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Research as much as you can and read lots of positive birth stories. The more information you can arm yourself with the more convicted you will feel about your decision. You can definitely do it!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Deep abdominal breathing, relaxing every other part of my body, and trying different positions. I used a yoga ball, leaned against the wall and the bed, sat on the toilet forwards and backwards, used a jacuzzi tub for about an hour, and leaned against my husband and swayed.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I was on my knees facing the head of the bed.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It was incredible and crazy and I couldn't believe that just happened! I was so excited to see her little face!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Research as much as you can and read lots of positive birth stories. The more information you can arm yourself with the more convicted you will feel about your decision. You can definitely do it!
