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When did you realize you were really in labor?
Mike and I were watching The Lion King and the "pain" was happening with a pattern. I went from the bed, to the exercise ball to the shower before I actually accepted the fact I was in labor.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Trying to stay positive mentally. There were many times I voiced that I was ready to give up and I was so tired. It took a lot of strength to remember that the pain would be temporary.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Took child birthing classes and read Ina May's book!
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What surprised you about your birth?
The inconsistency of my labor. There was a point when the contractions were getting further apart. I was grateful because I slept in between contractions but being awoken to contractions isn't very pleasant.
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Words cannot adequately explain the feeling. It was a mixture of euphoria and relief. In my head I kept saying "I did it, he's here! I did it, he's here!"
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Strangely, squatting during a contraction worked really well. Water was my cure all though. Either being in the tub or under a warm shower helped distract the pain.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Sitting on a birthing stool! Was definitely not expecting that!
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Words cannot adequately explain the feeling. It was a mixture of euphoria and relief. In my head I kept saying "I did it, he's here! I did it, he's here!"
