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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I did not realize I was really in labor until about 5 pm on my due date. I actually was still doubting it because, at my 1:45 pm 40-week appointment, my doctor had told me that I was having prodromal labor and that the baby would not be here for a few days. Even at 1 am as I was crying in the shower, I asked my husband if we were really in labor yet!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I didn't know what to expect at all, so I can't really say what the most challenging part was since I have never had an unmedicated birth. The hardest part of labor was a transition, but luckily that was the shortest!
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Research! The Mama Natural book was the stepping stone to all my other research. I am so thankful that I read your book at the beginning of my pregnancy. My doula birth class as well as the Mama Natural Birth Course were also super helpful!
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What surprised you about your birth?
How quickly I forgot about the pain! The next day, my husband asked me if I would have the next child without an epidural, and I said yeah why not!
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It helped prepare me and my husband for what to expect. We were never scared or nervous because we knew all the various things that could happen and we felt very prepared!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
My husband helped me through each contraction by squeezing my hips to relieve the back labor. I also took three baths and a shower through out the 22 hours of labor.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Amazing!
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What did you name your baby, and why?
Mary Louise- she is named for her grandmother and two of her great grandmothers.
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How did the Mama Natural Birth Class help you in your childbirth?
It helped prepare me and my husband for what to expect. We were never scared or nervous because we knew all the various things that could happen and we felt very prepared!
