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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I was scheduled for induction and got up early that morning for an hour long drive to the hospital and contractions had already started.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I have had an epidural with all my babies so going natural with this one was pushing through the pain.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Read lots of books about natural childbirth, hypnobirthing (meditation)
I also did some visualizations about what I wanted my birth to look like.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How quickly I was able to get up and go to the bathroom and I was discharged before noon the next day!
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It's worth all the hard work! I wish I knew what I know now about natural birth, I would have tried it sooner...
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Having my husband there stroking my hair and using a soft voice to keep me going.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On my back
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
She was the best reward for all that hard work. I was elated!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
It's worth all the hard work! I wish I knew what I know now about natural birth, I would have tried it sooner...