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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I realized I was in labor around 2 in the afternoon. My contractions were still very disorganized and it took a little while for my contractions to get more regular.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The mental preparation is the hardest part. When you have an unmediated, physiological birth, half the work is mental. You really have to give yourself over to the contractions and literally ride it out.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Since this was my third birth, visualizing my previous labors helped. I focused on what worked and what I wanted to do differently with this birth. I also hung inspirational quotes about birth all around my birth space so that wherever I was, I could read them.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How quickly it went. My previous births were quite long so I was pleasantly surprised that this was only 6 hours.
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Educate and plan. Know what you want and the best way to get there. Choose a provider who has a reputation for attending the kind of birth you want.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Breathing through contractions, vocalizing, being intentional about relaxing in between waves.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Reclined on my back.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Amazing and almost unreal.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Educate and plan. Know what you want and the best way to get there. Choose a provider who has a reputation for attending the kind of birth you want.
