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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I realized I was really in labor when I woke up early in the morning and my contractions finally evened out and were getting intense
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I had a very irregular and prolonged labor, so was in much more pain than I expected based on my previous labor. I was almost at the point of giving up and asking to go to the hospital, just so it would be over. It was exhausting!
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Practiced our Bradley techniques for pain management and relaxation.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How long and painful it was. I thought that it would be faster and easier than my first birth, but it was actually several hours longer and exponentially more difficult.
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Be prepared for anything. Every birth is different and you can't expect anything to go a certain way. Be ready to adjust your expectations in the moment and take each moment as it comes.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Deep breathing and massage.
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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?
I was relieved. I thought both my pregnancy and then labor were never going to end.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Be prepared for anything. Every birth is different and you can't expect anything to go a certain way. Be ready to adjust your expectations in the moment and take each moment as it comes.