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When did you realize you were really in labor?
Around 2 in the afternoon I started having strong contractions, at 2:30pm I started timing them and they were 2 minutes apart, about 1 minute long, and by 3 pm I could no longer talk through them.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Staying focused on relaxing during contractions. Everything in me wanted to tense up as they came.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I took evening primrose oil and red raspberry leaf tea daily from 36 weeks on, and I think that really helped get everything ready for a quick birth. Also, practicing breathing and doing prenatal yoga.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How quick it was. I was induced with my first baby, and that was 20 hours of trying to go into labor, 12 hours of active labor and 3.5 hrs of pushing. This birth, from first contraction until he was born, was barely four hours, with only 2 hours of hard labor and 16 minutes of pushing. My body was so ready to birth my little boy!
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You can do it! Don’t go in with your mind made up of how you will labor. Listen to your body and follow its cues. And have a doula!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Deep moaning and vocalizing through each contraction. And having a doula was awesome. Also, holding onto my husband through contractions. They were way worse if I wasn’t touching him.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On hands and knees on the bed.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Amazing! I couldn’t believe I did it all natural and he came so fast. We waited a long time for our baby and it was such an amazing high to be holding him!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
You can do it! Don’t go in with your mind made up of how you will labor. Listen to your body and follow its cues. And have a doula!
