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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I went into labor at 1 in the afternoon, and immediately my contractions were already lasting 30 seconds and were about 4-5 minutes apart.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging thing was probably dealing with other people injecting their opinions into what my birth experience would be like. I got a lot of people who said I would regret not going to the hospital and getting an epidural, which was really irritating.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
The most helpful thing I did was prepare myself mentally. Instead of psyching myself out about the pain, I looked at it as a challenge, something that would be amazing and empowering. I told myself that it was pain with a purpose, and that it would be a different type of pain; each contraction would bring me closer to holding my baby.
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What surprised you about your birth?
The most surprising thing about my birth was how quick it went! I was expecting to labor for 12-14 hours at least, but once my contractions started they were steady and my little girl was in my arms 7 and a half hours later. I didn't cry or scream, like most people thought I would; it didn't hurt nearly as bad as I had expected. It was beautiful.
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Prepare yourself mentally! It's a lot of mind over matter, and if you feel like you can't go on anymore that just means your baby is almost here! Reading Ina May's Guide to Childbirth especially helps, because it shows the power and beauty of birth.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
I stayed focused and breathed through my contractions, and the particularly difficult ones my husband was a huge help. Low moaning also helped a bit, though I probably sounded like a cow!
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I labored on the toilet, because sitting down on something solid or trying to lay down was too uncomfortable; I needed to have that space beneath my bottom. Once I started pushing we moved to the bed and I sat between my husband's legs and leaned against him.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It was incredible, I don't even have words to describe how it felt to hold her for the first time.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Prepare yourself mentally! It's a lot of mind over matter, and if you feel like you can't go on anymore that just means your baby is almost here! Reading Ina May's Guide to Childbirth especially helps, because it shows the power and beauty of birth.
