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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I didn't really know for sure until we got to the birth center. Since it's an hour away We went when I first suspected I was in labor. I differentiated between false and real labor because contractions became painful when it was real.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Transition! Intense pain and vomiting made transition unbearable for me.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
2 things: took a 10 week natural birth class, hired a doula
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What surprised you about your birth?
The baby came out in 2 pushes! I also didn't know you could have both back labor and front labor at the same time. That was lovely.
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Prepare! It's the most important thing you can do. Research, take a class, hire a doula, write a birth plan, and know what you want from your birth.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Breathing, relaxing, but mostly using the tub.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Crouched over the toilet
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
A little surreal but amazing and total relief
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Prepare! It's the most important thing you can do. Research, take a class, hire a doula, write a birth plan, and know what you want from your birth.
