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When did you realize you were really in labor?
The contractions started to really hurt, where I had to focus through them, and didn't feel like anything else prior.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
It was a very long labor (about 36 hours total and 3.5 hours of pushing). It was really hard to get through some of the more painful contractions. Pushing for that long was incredibly exhausting, and by the end of it, I could barely stay awake between contractions.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Doing research and taking the Mama Natural class was helpful. I also had a great birth team that included midwives and a doula. I wouldn't have done it any differently.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I was surprised that I got through it. There were definitely times I wanted to give up and just take a less intense route, but I'm so glad I was present through the whole thing and got to meet my little one drug free!
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I knew what to expect from a natural labor, most importantly. But I also had a place that I could go to for questions and advice.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Breathing, cold packs, and essential oils
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On my back - the midwives and nurses were holding my legs up as I pushed.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Out of this world!
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How did the Mama Natural Birth Class help you in your childbirth?
I knew what to expect from a natural labor, most importantly. But I also had a place that I could go to for questions and advice.
