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When did you realize you were really in labor?
Though I started having very mild, sporadic cramping starting at 4am, it wasn't until about 5pm when a slight pattern started emerging. Then I thought maybe...but was still in denial! By 11pm, when I couldn't sleep through contactions, I had to admit to myself that this was it!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Before labor, the biggest challenge was the fear of the unknown. Once I was in it, it was easy! I was fortunate that everything progressed smoothly and quickly. Had I had to deal with the same type of contractions that I had during the end of labor any longer than I had, I very well may have considered an epidural!
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cherie
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I really just soaked in a lot of positive birth information. Mama Natural, Ina Gaskin, Business of Being Born, Spinning Babies and many online resources provided empowerment and a mindset of "I can do this!" Secondly, I was sure to exercise and stretch throughout pregnancy.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How easy it was for me! I have to thank my body for being so great in the labor and birth process. I also realized that things do not always progress in a textbook fashion. I was in denial that I was as far along in labor as I was because I could still talk through contractions and they would be short, then long, various time intervals in between. Luckily, my husband was more realistic, because I was ready to push as soon as we got to the hospital! I could still smile between pushes. Despite the relatively quick pushing, I had no tears!
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Know that every woman has a different experience. Go in with little expectations and just let it unfold how it needs to. Be positive, know that you can do it and don't let fear stand in your way.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Early on, hip swaying/dipping and breathing. When things got harder and the baby was low, the only relief was my husband pressing very hard on my tailbone while I leaned over.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On all 4s in the hospital bed.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It was pretty surreal! It was magical to hold a beautiful being that I had created and held inside me for 39 weeks. He lightened the mood by peeing on me right away!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Know that every woman has a different experience. Go in with little expectations and just let it unfold how it needs to. Be positive, know that you can do it and don't let fear stand in your way. Also, try to take drugs off the table as an option. If you think you "might" use them, you are more likely to give in earlier.
