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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I realized I was in real labor around 4:30pm, but thought I was only in early labor because my contractions were 6-10 minutes apart, and 30-45 seconds long.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging thing was the intensity of the birth because my labor changed from contractions being 6 minutes apart to going through transition and pushing within about a 5 minute time span.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I read Ina May Gaskin's "Guide to Childbirth" and especially the birth stories in the beginning of the book.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I was surprised by how fast labor and the pushing stage went for my second child- I was in labor for a total of 3 hours and pushed twice! I was planning to have a birth center birth, but my baby came too fast and I delivered him by myself in the bathroom of our apartment while my husband was trying to find a neighbor to watch our toddler. All that to say you never know how each birth is going to go :)
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Try to prepare as much as possible, hire a duola, practice relaxation techniques, and get a really "natural-friendly" birth team on your side
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Breathing through contractions, leaning over the counter or a chair and swaying back and forth
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I delivered on all fours
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Absolutely amazing and exhilarating
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Try to prepare as much as possible, hire a doula, practice relaxation techniques, and get a really "natural-friendly" birth team on your side
