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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I was 13 days past my due date and driving to meet with my midwife to discuss induction...on the way there I realized I was *pretty* sure that I was having mild contractions.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The mental game of preparing, then waiting (since baby girl was 13 days past her due date), and then just mentally staying in each moment and not fearing the next during labor.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Getting my mind in the right place to accept what was going to happen- reading the Mama Natural book, taking my birth Bootcamp class with my husband, reading affirmations in the days and weeks leading up to the delivery, all played a role in preparing my mind for my delivery.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How quickly it all happened, and that I never once was overwhelmed by the birth or felt out of control.
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You can do it! Know that you can do it and have confidence in your body's ability to do what it was designed to do.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Focusing on breathing through contractions and thinking about relaxing and opening.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Standing up leaning into my husband.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Amazing! I couldn't believe she was already there!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
You can do it! Know that you can do it and have confidence in your body's ability to do what it was designed to do.