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When did you realize you were really in labor?
About 3 hours before I gave birth! I saw my midwife for a normal check up at 12:30 that afternoon when I told her I was feeling crampy and had some contractions. She checked me and said I was just 2 cm dilated and said I could be there for another week or two. I went for a walk with my husband and son around 3 and started having contractions 4-5 minutes apart for 30-45 seconds. Nothing too painful! I realized on this walk that today was the day! We got home around 4 pm and I started having some serious contractions. We got in the car around 4:50, got to the hospital at 5:15, and delivered my beautiful baby boy at 5:31.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The pain of course! During the "ring of fire" I told my husband and midwife I was all done and didn't want to do it anymore :). But so thankful I delivered naturally!
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Exercising, eating healthy, and drinking my red raspberry leaf tea daily!
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What surprised you about your birth?
How FAST it was! I was only at the hospital for 15 minutes before my baby boy made his entrance into the world.
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Believe you can do this and that your body is made to do it!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Breathing and repeating mantras in my head. "You are stronger than you think"
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Laying on my side, leg up in the air!
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Truly breathtaking :)
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Believe you can do this and that your body is made to do it!