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When did you realize you were really in labor?
After I had been in prodromal labor for a number of hours, I took a benedryl and basically reset my uterus. When my contractions were so intense that I had to stop in my tracks and breathe through them I know I was in true labor.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Keeping up with the contractions during transition and when baby was crowning and coming through it was intense. I kept reminding myself, "these contractions are not stronger than me because they are me." Then he was here!
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Affirmations! I cannot say it enough. Having my amazing natural birth was due to me succumbing to my body during the birth and mentally preparing during my pregnancy.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How easy it seemed. I was in labor for 48 hours and it was the most amazing experience. I am still in awe at how beautifully and wonderfully the female body is made to give birth.
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Do it! It is such an amazingly empowering experience. Find a midwife that you trust completely. Prepare physically and emotionally for birth - the amount of energy exerted from your body is immense. Listen to affirmations, read affirmations, write affirmations! Do anything and everything to prepare your mind and prepare you emotionally - you do not want your mind to overpower you during a moment of weakness because birth is intense.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Affirmations - being mentally prepared.
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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?
I cannot even explain the flood of emotions and love that overcame my body. I tore pretty bad during delivery and I had no sense or feeling of pain what so ever.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Do it! It is such an amazingly empowering experience. Find a midwife that you trust completely. Prepare physically and emotionally for birth - the amount of energy exerted from your body is immense. Listen to affirmations, read affirmations, write affirmations! Do anything and everything to prepare your mind and prepare you emotionally - you do not want your mind to overpower you during a moment of weakness because birth is intense.
