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When did you realize you were really in labor?
After losing my mucus plug before going to bed, I woke up in the night with steady strong contractions. Also, my water started leaking.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
At the very end before I pushed him out I felt trapped in a place where there was so much pain and I couldn't get away from it. The only way out was to push him out, which I did pretty quickly after feeling this way. He didn't even have time to get a cone head because I was so ready for the pain to end.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I read about essential oils and how they can help in labor. I also knew that relaxation was key to dilation, so I planned a nap before getting in the tub - all relaxing things. It worked! I dilated fairly quickly and had him in the tub.
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What surprised you about your birth?
Two things surprised me about my birth:
1. My contractions were slow and steady but strong. I had time between contractions to rest, think, and prepare for the next one. This happened until the very end when I pushed him out. At that point contractions were on top of each other, which helped him come out quickly.
2. I pushed out a 9 pound baby who had a fist next to his cheek without tearing! This is because I pushed at the right time, and my body had time to prepare for the push. This doesn't happen with an epidural.
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It is so worth it! There are so many benefits to being able to eat when you want, move where you want to, and call the shots to make it the birthing environment you are most comfortable with. Once you have accomplished a natural birth, it is such a special memory that you will cherish!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Essential oils, birth ball, laying on my side and squeezing my husband's hand, and getting in the tub.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
In the tub in a squatting position.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Amazing relief! The worst of the pain was over and my baby was so soft and precious!!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
It is so worth it! There are so many benefits to being able to eat when you want, move where you want to, and call the shots to make it the birthing environment you are most comfortable with. Once you have accomplished a natural birth, it is such a special memory that you will cherish!
