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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I unfortunately did not go into labor naturally, I was induced for medical reasons. The induction started on Wednesday night and I had my daughter 48 hours later.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The unknown.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Reading birth stories, watching/listening to birth stories on YouTube, watching natural births on YouTube, and listening to stories from family and friends. Also, watching and getting others tips on how they had a successful birth like what they did to get through the labor process.
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What surprised you about your birth?
That I actually did it. I was able to deliver without an epidural. I really thought I would break down after having to be induced but I prepared myself so well I actually delivered her with no pain medication.
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Trust your body that it knows what it's doing. Your body was built to endure labor and YOU can do it. I had so many people telling me my whole pregnancy that I was going to need the epidural. But I believed in myself and I made it through.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Definitely breathing and taking the contractions 1 at a time.
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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?
Indescribable, it was the best feeling ever but so surreal.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Trust your body that it knows what it's doing. Your body was built to endure labor and YOU can do it. I had so many people telling me my whole pregnancy that I was going to need the epidural. But I believed in myself and I made it through.
