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When did you realize you were really in labor?
My contractions were 20 minutes apart for 2 hours and then they got closer and closer together over 20 minutes and all of a sudden were 2 minutes apart and I new it was happening.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Pushing
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
This was my 4th birth and my 3rd natural birth. The most helpful thing I did to prepare was to not think about it so much; but more so just focus on the fact that I would know what to do and was completely capable and in control.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How different it was from all my other labours- it started with weak contractions 5 mins apart but then became very intense but 20 mins apart. I wasn't sure what was happening- if they were going to fade out or become more frequent. The frequency increased over a short period of time and once they were 2 mins apart, it was only an hour or so before he was born!
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Know you are capable and believe in yourself!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
My husband pressing firmly on my lower back; focusing solely on relaxing my pelvis through the contraction; I would cover my face, breathe and not make a sound in my own little world and ride out each contraction
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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?
On top of the world
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Know you are capable and believe in yourself!
***photo courtesy of @lcarrelas of
LTC Photography @LTCphotography
