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When did you realize you were really in labor?
When my water broke in the middle of the night and timeable contractions began 20 minutes later.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The mental wear from pain and fatigue of 45 hours of natural labor.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Took a childbirth class with my husband. It was especially helpful for him to be aware of all that would and did take place during labor; to know what to expect and how to best help me. Also, having the most amazing birth team to help me (& hubby) achieve the natural birth we hoped for.
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What surprised you about your birth?
The length of my labor. Being 6cm and 90% effaced upon arriving to the birth center, everyone was excited and expected a pretty quick labor/birth. 45 hours later...
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Amazing! Such a sense of sweet relief and accomplishment.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Birthing tub, guttural breathing through contractions, and the birthing ball.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Lying on my back, on the bed.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Amazing! Such a sense of sweet relief and accomplishment.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Prepare your mind. It can easily turn into your biggest adversary during labor. Reading/Listening to birthing affirmations and scriptures beforehand, and telling myself over and over again that "I will not say 'I can't'" were huge for me. As well as having an incredible support team in my husband, our doula, midwives, and our faith in the Lord.
